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Body Shop Bad Boys #4
Collision Course
He's always had a way with the ladies
She won't give him the time of day
Sparks fly when two hearts in motion collide.
Florist Joey Reeves is working overtime to stay away from Lou Cortez, the ace mechanic with a reputation for irresistible charm. She's a single mom with enough on her plate—the last thing she needs is entanglement with the hottest guy in town...
"Well, hello there."
Joey glanced up and froze. The man who'd been haunting her sleep looked even better in the hard light of day.
"H-hello." She coughed. The guys who worked at Webster's Garage all looked larger than life, covered in tattoos, muscles, and that indefinable sense of danger they wore like a second skin. But this guy, the tall, Latin lover with dark-brown eyes and lips made for kissing, who had snared her.
Body Shop Bad Boys Series:
Test Drive (Book 1)
Roadside Assistance (Book 2)
Zero to Sixty (Book 3)
Collision Course (Book 4)
She won't give him the time of day
Sparks fly when two hearts in motion collide.
Florist Joey Reeves is working overtime to stay away from Lou Cortez, the ace mechanic with a reputation for irresistible charm. She's a single mom with enough on her plate—the last thing she needs is entanglement with the hottest guy in town...
"Well, hello there."
Joey glanced up and froze. The man who'd been haunting her sleep looked even better in the hard light of day.
"H-hello." She coughed. The guys who worked at Webster's Garage all looked larger than life, covered in tattoos, muscles, and that indefinable sense of danger they wore like a second skin. But this guy, the tall, Latin lover with dark-brown eyes and lips made for kissing, who had snared her.
Body Shop Bad Boys Series:
Test Drive (Book 1)
Roadside Assistance (Book 2)
Zero to Sixty (Book 3)
Collision Course (Book 4)
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2018
86 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Marie Harte
199 books2,405 followersImportant:: Marie Harte is NOT active on GoodReads, so to contact her, please use her website at marieharte.com.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
January 2, 2018
4.5 Stars!
I don’t know how you can’t love these Bad Boys from Webster’s Garage. Marie Harte created a group of guys that’s every good girls dream! Tall, built, tatted and while they look like bad boys, they have a heart of gold.
Lou is the smooth talking pretty boy of the group who draws women without even trying. He’s from a big family, mainly consisting of woman. He loves his mama, his grandmother, his many sisters and he takes care of all of them. If anyone knows women, it’s Lou. That’s why it’s so entertaining that he has to chase Joey.
Joey has not had an easy life. She’s the good girl that made the mistake of listening to her smooth talking boyfriend and got pregnant at 14. The boyfriend walked away, the parents barely supported her and never let her live it down. 9 years later, after putting herself through school, she’s finally seeing her hard work start to pay off. Although she’s attracted to Lou, she knows the smooth talkers are nothing but trouble.
I love to see when a guy has to work to get the woman he wants. Especially when that guy has never had to work for it before. I really enjoyed Lou’s pursuit. Joey resists him, but not for so long that it gets annoying.
When Joey decides to not mention her son, I understood her reasoning but it also had me nervous for Lou’s reaction. Especially when Lou later admits he doesn’t want kids. I wasn’t thrilled with his reaction to dating a single mom, but I also thought the author did a good job of explaining why he felt the way he did.
I love this series and I really hope Heller is next! ARC provided by NetGalley.
I don’t know how you can’t love these Bad Boys from Webster’s Garage. Marie Harte created a group of guys that’s every good girls dream! Tall, built, tatted and while they look like bad boys, they have a heart of gold.
Lou is the smooth talking pretty boy of the group who draws women without even trying. He’s from a big family, mainly consisting of woman. He loves his mama, his grandmother, his many sisters and he takes care of all of them. If anyone knows women, it’s Lou. That’s why it’s so entertaining that he has to chase Joey.
Joey has not had an easy life. She’s the good girl that made the mistake of listening to her smooth talking boyfriend and got pregnant at 14. The boyfriend walked away, the parents barely supported her and never let her live it down. 9 years later, after putting herself through school, she’s finally seeing her hard work start to pay off. Although she’s attracted to Lou, she knows the smooth talkers are nothing but trouble.
I love to see when a guy has to work to get the woman he wants. Especially when that guy has never had to work for it before. I really enjoyed Lou’s pursuit. Joey resists him, but not for so long that it gets annoying.
When Joey decides to not mention her son, I understood her reasoning but it also had me nervous for Lou’s reaction. Especially when Lou later admits he doesn’t want kids. I wasn’t thrilled with his reaction to dating a single mom, but I also thought the author did a good job of explaining why he felt the way he did.
I love this series and I really hope Heller is next! ARC provided by NetGalley.
06-reasons
December 4, 2017I've lost interest.
I tried the first book in the series and it started off with them all being manwhores so I stopped and decided to go straight to book 4 so that I wouldn't see all of the Hero's manwhor-ish ways.
Alas
his sexcapades were mentioned here. The heroine isn't his usual type (I got to read this more than once) and yet he couldn't keep his hands off her. He kept on comparing the heroine with all of his former hook ups. So not appealing. There is having good self esteem and then there is being a cocky bastard who thinks that he is God's gift to women.
Joey, please she is 24 and not 12 really needs a new name. She was against meeting up with Lou yet after two dates they go all instalove in the flower shop.
I have nothing against the authors writing quite the opposite it is strong and offers a lot to the reader.
This book just has nothing to offer for me.
Read it peeps don't base anything on my review.
I tried the first book in the series and it started off with them all being manwhores so I stopped and decided to go straight to book 4 so that I wouldn't see all of the Hero's manwhor-ish ways.
Alas
his sexcapades were mentioned here. The heroine isn't his usual type (I got to read this more than once) and yet he couldn't keep his hands off her. He kept on comparing the heroine with all of his former hook ups. So not appealing. There is having good self esteem and then there is being a cocky bastard who thinks that he is God's gift to women.
Joey, please she is 24 and not 12 really needs a new name. She was against meeting up with Lou yet after two dates they go all instalove in the flower shop.
I have nothing against the authors writing quite the opposite it is strong and offers a lot to the reader.
This book just has nothing to offer for me.
Read it peeps don't base anything on my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2018
DNF at 31%.
I had my doubts when I requested this book but I thought I would give it a try.
Josephine "Joey" Reeves is a florist and a single mom, having got pregnant when still at school. She was abandoned by the baby's father and had to give up her dreams of being a doctor to raise her son who is now nine years old. Her parents have always disapproved of her and her 'lifestyle choices' and nothing she has done in the past nine years has proven otherwise. Although she is attracted to the big, tattooed mechanic who works nearby she knows she needs to stay away from the bad boys.
Lou Cortez is a big brash mechanic and also does custom car paint designs on the side. He has had a thing for Joey for months but she hasn't given him the time of day. Little does he know she has a nine year old son. When he looks at Joey he sees a petite, shy woman who blushes every time she looks at him, she's different to the more brash women he normally dates. His mother has had five children by three different men and as a consequence he has jaded views about love and commitment.
By means of manipulative, passive-aggressive, semi-stalking Lou gets Joey to go for coffee with him and then out for dinner.
I'm now going to sound like a complete prude, but having spent nearly seven chapters reading about how Lou was going to go slow and be gentle with Joey so as not to scare her to read their first sex scene was a bit of a shock. Lou appears to be a caricature: the gruff, tattooed alpha male who protects his mother, grandmother and numerous sisters yet insists on referring to men being pussy-whipped and being forced to do chick things. He talks dirty to Joey and bosses her around, because of course she likes it rough in bed. There seemed to be a cast of thousands of mechanics, which Marie Harte seemed to be setting up for their own books.
31% through the book and I don't think we've seen Joey with her son for more than a few seconds - this isn't really a book about a single mom.
I just had an overwhelming feeling of meh at yet another book with interchangeable characters, having sex at every opportunity at the expense of a plot, moist folds, his constantly tightening trousers, constant swearing and derogatory references to women (but it's okay because he's the only man in a family full of women!).
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to review the book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
I had my doubts when I requested this book but I thought I would give it a try.
Josephine "Joey" Reeves is a florist and a single mom, having got pregnant when still at school. She was abandoned by the baby's father and had to give up her dreams of being a doctor to raise her son who is now nine years old. Her parents have always disapproved of her and her 'lifestyle choices' and nothing she has done in the past nine years has proven otherwise. Although she is attracted to the big, tattooed mechanic who works nearby she knows she needs to stay away from the bad boys.
Lou Cortez is a big brash mechanic and also does custom car paint designs on the side. He has had a thing for Joey for months but she hasn't given him the time of day. Little does he know she has a nine year old son. When he looks at Joey he sees a petite, shy woman who blushes every time she looks at him, she's different to the more brash women he normally dates. His mother has had five children by three different men and as a consequence he has jaded views about love and commitment.
By means of manipulative, passive-aggressive, semi-stalking Lou gets Joey to go for coffee with him and then out for dinner.
I'm now going to sound like a complete prude, but having spent nearly seven chapters reading about how Lou was going to go slow and be gentle with Joey so as not to scare her to read their first sex scene was a bit of a shock. Lou appears to be a caricature: the gruff, tattooed alpha male who protects his mother, grandmother and numerous sisters yet insists on referring to men being pussy-whipped and being forced to do chick things. He talks dirty to Joey and bosses her around, because of course she likes it rough in bed. There seemed to be a cast of thousands of mechanics, which Marie Harte seemed to be setting up for their own books.
31% through the book and I don't think we've seen Joey with her son for more than a few seconds - this isn't really a book about a single mom.
I just had an overwhelming feeling of meh at yet another book with interchangeable characters, having sex at every opportunity at the expense of a plot, moist folds, his constantly tightening trousers, constant swearing and derogatory references to women (but it's okay because he's the only man in a family full of women!).
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to review the book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
January 3, 2018
Whenever I get a new Marie Harte book, I get excited so it wasn’t surprising behavior to read this book as soon as it came into my hands. I’ve been waiting for Lou’s book and had high hopes for her his happily ever after. I’m happy to note that I absolutely loved this story and I think Joey is the perfect heroine for him.
As the fourth book in the Bad Boys Body Shop series, I have already fallen in love with a lot of the heroes in this series. However, there is still more room in my heart for Lou who seems to be the most charismatic out of all of them. I love his charm and his sex appeal. But what I loved the most is his healthy regard for women. I’m over rough, dominant and selfish heroes in Romance so Lou was a very refreshing character to read about.
Similarly, Joey is just as fun and uplifting. I immediately fell in love with her gentle character and I thought she was a perfect match for Lou. In addition to the romance, there’s some great chemistry between all the other characters as well. I believe that this is one of the things that Harte excels at. Her banter and flirting always brings a smile to my face whether it’s between the hero and heroine or with all the guys together.
I’m not entirely sure what will come from this series next but I do hope that Harte continues to write in this world. I absolutely love the blend of humor and heart, and I hope she continues to write more stories like these ones.
January 1, 2018
Whenever I get a new Marie Harte book, I get excited so it wasn’t surprising behavior to read this book as soon as it came into my hands. I’ve been waiting for Lou’s book and had high hopes for her his happily ever after. I’m happy to note that I absolutely loved this story and I think Joey is the perfect heroine for him.As the fourth book in the Bad Boys Body Shop series, I have already fallen in love with a lot of the heroes in this series. However, there is still more room in my heart for Lou who seems to be the most charismatic out of all of them. I love his charm and his sex appeal. But what I loved the most is his healthy regard for women. I’m over rough, dominant and selfish heroes in Romance so Lou was a very refreshing character to read about.
Similarly, Joey is just as fun and uplifting. I immediately fell in love with her gentle character and I thought she was a perfect match for Lou. In addition to the romance, there’s some great chemistry between all the other characters as well. I believe that this is one of the things that Harte excels at. Her banter and flirting always brings a smile to my face whether it’s between the hero and heroine or with all the guys together.
I’m not entirely sure what will come from this series next but I do hope that Harte continues to write in this world. I absolutely love the blend of humor and heart, and I hope she continues to write more stories like these ones.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
January 2, 2018
Ever since the first book in Marie Harte’s Body Shop Bad Boys series I’ve been waiting for this hero’s story; he’s intrigued me with his voice of wisdom, his knowledge of women (given he’s got about 30 female relatives), and the way he sees the good in everyone. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story and I was hoping I hadn’t built him up so much that I would be disappointed in his book and I’m proud to report that wasn’t the case. Collision Course was compelling, entertaining, and utterly sexy but most of all I loved that this big, burly man was taken down by a woman who made him realize the rules he’d made for himself didn’t matter when love hits you over the head.
Lou Cortez, the Latin lover, the calm in the storm, Mr. Large and in charge, and one hell of a mechanic and an even better custom paint guy can’t get florist Josephine “Joey” Reeves out of his head since he spoke to her several months ago when she came to the garage to meet with his boss about her wedding flowers. Months later she’s still in there and Lou decides it is time to take manners into his hands and hopefully get his hands on her.
I loved watching Lou get thrown for a loop by Joey mainly because he has always been so smooth and had such fantastic advice for his friends when they hit a rough patch with their girlfriends. I kind of liked they had a fundamental difference although Lou didn’t know it and it was interesting to watch him come to terms with it. I admired Joey for working hard to make a better life for herself and her son especially given how young she was when she had him and while she had some assistance from her parents it came with a price that had taken its toll on her self-worth, so I appreciated seeing that change during this book.
Normally I don’t say a whole lot about the sexy times in a book, but I’m going to make an exception for this one. Holy hotness this book was scorching hot, this couple could not get enough of one another and given they had limited time together they made the most of it every damn time. Ms. Harte never disappoints in this area and even she took it up a notch in this book.
Both Lou and Joey have some hang ups and some baggage that hinders them at times, but that’s what makes these books feel so real and it is something I appreciate greatly about this author. Their relationship was far from easy, but that made the reward of getting it right that much sweeter.
Filled with ups and downs, a whole lot of body shop ribbing, good friends, intrusive but well meaning family, and two people who made each other better, I loved Collision Course!
January 10, 2018
ARC REVIEW
YAY! Lou finally! Book four of Marie Harte's Body Shop Bad Boys, Collision Course. Despite what you might have thought about Lou in the past books, he's not a manwhore. Lou is a ladies man, true, but he likes the courtship. He actually likes relationships, he likes dating and getting to know a woman before sleeping with her. He was raised by a single mom and half a dozen aunts and helped raise all his female cousins and sisters, he knows how to treat a lady. With that being said he never wants to marry or have kids of his own, in his words he's raised enough kids in his lifetime. So it only makes sense that he falls for a single mom, only he doesn't know it, yet.
Joey Reeves made a stupid mistake when she was a teenager and her parents never let her live it down. They never forgave her for ruining the plans they had for her but that mistake was also the best thing to ever happen it gave her her son. Joey has spent the last nine years dealing with her parents backhanded compliments and passive aggressiveness, now that she has finally gotten promoted to manager of the flower shop and has a good opportunity to be able to branch out to do weddings she is ready to move out and away from her parents. She also decides it's time for her to start living again, and if that includes dating the gorgeous guy who works for her friend, Del, then so be it. After spending the last nine years trying to apologize to her parents and show them they are wrong about her and being entirely focuses on her son, it's time to focus on her for a change, as long as it doesn't interfere with her son.
Joey's decision to not tell Lou about her son was after some serious thinking, after all she didn't know Lou, she didn't know if it was going to be serious or just casual. It was made in the best interest to her son, to protect her son. After all he didn't need a father, her son has a father who abandoned him before he was born and signed away his legal rights as father. Unfortunately for Joey the same man is back after nine years and wanting to meet his son and make amends. Neither Lou or Joey were looking for serious but it didn't take long before they were head over heels for each other. But between Joey's son and Lou and wanting to be a father, no matter how awesome he is at it, those issues just can't be ignored.
Overall, I love Lou. He is such a Casanova. (Don Juan was a manwhore who slept with every woman and then discarded them; where as Casanova really loved and cared about women who took the time to know them and remained friends with them afterwards.) Joey is a fantastic mom. I am so loving this series each of the guys are different enough to keep you entertained and each of their books unique to their characters. Marie Harte is so good with character development and romance, the sex is pretty hot too. I am crossing my fingers that Heller's book is soon.
YAY! Lou finally! Book four of Marie Harte's Body Shop Bad Boys, Collision Course. Despite what you might have thought about Lou in the past books, he's not a manwhore. Lou is a ladies man, true, but he likes the courtship. He actually likes relationships, he likes dating and getting to know a woman before sleeping with her. He was raised by a single mom and half a dozen aunts and helped raise all his female cousins and sisters, he knows how to treat a lady. With that being said he never wants to marry or have kids of his own, in his words he's raised enough kids in his lifetime. So it only makes sense that he falls for a single mom, only he doesn't know it, yet.
Joey Reeves made a stupid mistake when she was a teenager and her parents never let her live it down. They never forgave her for ruining the plans they had for her but that mistake was also the best thing to ever happen it gave her her son. Joey has spent the last nine years dealing with her parents backhanded compliments and passive aggressiveness, now that she has finally gotten promoted to manager of the flower shop and has a good opportunity to be able to branch out to do weddings she is ready to move out and away from her parents. She also decides it's time for her to start living again, and if that includes dating the gorgeous guy who works for her friend, Del, then so be it. After spending the last nine years trying to apologize to her parents and show them they are wrong about her and being entirely focuses on her son, it's time to focus on her for a change, as long as it doesn't interfere with her son.
Joey's decision to not tell Lou about her son was after some serious thinking, after all she didn't know Lou, she didn't know if it was going to be serious or just casual. It was made in the best interest to her son, to protect her son. After all he didn't need a father, her son has a father who abandoned him before he was born and signed away his legal rights as father. Unfortunately for Joey the same man is back after nine years and wanting to meet his son and make amends. Neither Lou or Joey were looking for serious but it didn't take long before they were head over heels for each other. But between Joey's son and Lou and wanting to be a father, no matter how awesome he is at it, those issues just can't be ignored.
Overall, I love Lou. He is such a Casanova. (Don Juan was a manwhore who slept with every woman and then discarded them; where as Casanova really loved and cared about women who took the time to know them and remained friends with them afterwards.) Joey is a fantastic mom. I am so loving this series each of the guys are different enough to keep you entertained and each of their books unique to their characters. Marie Harte is so good with character development and romance, the sex is pretty hot too. I am crossing my fingers that Heller's book is soon.
January 5, 2018
Collision Course was an entertaining new book in the Body Shop Bad Boys series! This book had everything in it that I expected from this series: steamy sex scenes, tons of flirting, and a lot of humor.
The main character, Joey, was such a strong woman. I felt so bad for her because there were so many tough obstacles she had to overcome. Tons of people in her life let her down in the past and I just wanted to give her a hug and make her feel loved. Joey was such a dedicated and loving mother as well, which was really sweet to see. I do think she kept some secrets for too long from certain characters, which was frustrating sometimes, but I understood where she was coming from. I thought the author did a great job at making Joey a very real and relatable woman.
Lou was the smooth-talking ladies man of the book. He knew exactly what to say to make a woman swoon, and he sure did make me swoon with some of his words! But, I liked seeing that there was more to Lou than his sexy and flirty side. He had a lot of passions and emotions that I was not expecting! However, there were times when I was hoping for more from him. There were moments when he did make some remarks and judgments that really bothered me. I understood how and why he had certain views that he did, but I still didn't agree with them. It was nice to see him eventually learn not to make those kinds of comments and judgments.
The romance between Joey and Lou was full of steam and passion. The sexual chemistry between the two of them was off the charts! Marie Harte knows how to make your e-reader feel like it is melting in your hands! There were a lot of trials and tribulations that they had to face, so it added a lot of angst and intrigue to watch them overcome those issues together.
Overall, this was a sexy and fun novel! If you are looking for a book that is steamy and fast paced, then you need to check this book out!
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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The main character, Joey, was such a strong woman. I felt so bad for her because there were so many tough obstacles she had to overcome. Tons of people in her life let her down in the past and I just wanted to give her a hug and make her feel loved. Joey was such a dedicated and loving mother as well, which was really sweet to see. I do think she kept some secrets for too long from certain characters, which was frustrating sometimes, but I understood where she was coming from. I thought the author did a great job at making Joey a very real and relatable woman.
Lou was the smooth-talking ladies man of the book. He knew exactly what to say to make a woman swoon, and he sure did make me swoon with some of his words! But, I liked seeing that there was more to Lou than his sexy and flirty side. He had a lot of passions and emotions that I was not expecting! However, there were times when I was hoping for more from him. There were moments when he did make some remarks and judgments that really bothered me. I understood how and why he had certain views that he did, but I still didn't agree with them. It was nice to see him eventually learn not to make those kinds of comments and judgments.
The romance between Joey and Lou was full of steam and passion. The sexual chemistry between the two of them was off the charts! Marie Harte knows how to make your e-reader feel like it is melting in your hands! There were a lot of trials and tribulations that they had to face, so it added a lot of angst and intrigue to watch them overcome those issues together.
Overall, this was a sexy and fun novel! If you are looking for a book that is steamy and fast paced, then you need to check this book out!
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
January 26, 2018
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/01/review-...
Favorite Quote: “If you want him, have him. You have a right to be happy. Take joy in his man parts. Go forth, just don’t prosper.”
Lou Cortez is a true ladies man. Gorgeous, sexy, well mannered, good job, loves his family…he’s every woman’s dream man if he says so himself. So why can’t he get the lovely Josephine (Joey) Reeves to give him the time of day?
Joey looks at Lou and sees her biggest mistake. A mistake that gave her a beautiful son but still a mistake her parents never let her forget. She has spent nine years trying to make up for it and isn’t about to let anyone derail her. Even if he is the hottest man she’s ever seen.
A last minute request for flowers and an impromptu coffee date sets Joey and Lou on the road to romance. But Joey still has to tell Lou about her son and unless his attitude changes about kids, this affair is already set on a collision course to fail.
The fourth book in Marie Harte’s sexy and humorous Body Shop Bad Boys series-Collision Course-turns it’s attention to Lou Cortez, one of the four commitment phobic mechanics at Webster’s Garage. A spin-off of her yummy McCauley brothers series, Harte gives us the down and dirty on Del Webster’s ‘boys’ as they each fall in love and struggle to deal with it. There is some character/storyline crossover but it’s mild. This particular installment also references another series-The Donnigans-with some memories and a character crossover. Each book can be read as a standalone through previous couples and situations are addressed is.
As with the previous books, Harte once again delivers a humorous, sensual, earthy romance that deals the love and growth as it digs deep into the lives and insecurities of our couple. Harte takes her time setting the scene and the characterization with witty dialogue, endearingly characters, and a well-oiled storyline that keeps you entertained to he very end.
Lou is one of the mechanics at Webster’s Garage and does specialized car restoration on the side. A well-known ladies man, Lou gives as good as he gets, making sure his ladies are well satisfied before he leaves their bed and lives. Not a player exactly but more he hasn’t found the right woman for him yet. The product of a single mother who dated a lot, often at the expense of her children’s welfare, Lou has some serious issues with single mothers and commitment.
Joey comes from an upper middle-class family whose who carefully cultivated plans for her were derailed when she was impregnated at age fifteen. Shamed and deserted by the baby’s father, her friends, and more importantly, her family, Joey struggled to finish high school while supporting herself and her newborn son. Now, nine years later, she a degree in business and has received a promotion to manager. Through her parents are more agreeable towards her and their grandson now, there is still a lingering sense of disapproval from them that taints their relationship.
Lou and Joey are delightfully compatible. Fantastic chemistry, a genuine sense of attraction that goes beyond physical, and a romance that allows for plenty of sexual exploration allow readers to really get to know this couple and watch them work through their issues. Harte dials up the temperature with to scorching as our couple explores their mutual kink of light dominance and submission.
He cupped her breast and her body sizzled under his firm hand. He pinched her nipple through her clothes, and she bit her lip to stifle a groan.
“See, I think your deal is you like a firmer hand.”
They fall hard and fast but Harte believes in this couple and convinces us to also. Lou’s fall is so amusing to witness. Alway so confident around women, Lou being so out of sorts around Joey is hilarious. He met Joey during Del’s wedding and she refused to have anything o do with him. He chases her off page and when he catches her, he acts as though he is the luckiest man in town. Something that strikes Joey straight through the heart. She hasn’t had an easy life, abandoned by almost everyone when she needed them most, so to see this gorgeous man actually likes and wants her, is exhilarating. But she has to be careful though because she has another heart to protect.
The cast of secondary characters are just as fun as the protagonists and I think command a much stronger role in this story. I adore this tight knit group of mechanics with their appealing mixture of tough guy attitudes and heart melting vulnerability. Their sibling like relationship with one another celebrates friendship and families of all kinds. Though from different walks of life, their camaraderie is a strong base on which the series builds. The fast, furious, and funny banter flows between then like water with everyone air game for some high spirited teasing but when it counts, they always have each others back.
You good man?” Sam asked?
“Fine. Just surprised is all.”
“Okay. If you need to talk, Mr. Emotional is by the Accord.”
“Hey,.” Johnny yelled, buried under said Accord. “But he’s right. I’m here for you, Lou. A man of experience, wisdom, and emotional drivel.”
“More talky-talky. Great.”
We meet few new faces and see more than a few old friends. Joey’s friend Becky is hilarious and Lou’s whole family is wonderfully nosy and really steps up up to help Lou get over his fears. I hope we see more of Becky and the Cortez family in the future.
The ending is a happy catharsis that opens the door towards forgiveness and new beginnings when Joey and Lou are forced to confront all the pain and anger they’ve been carrying around and allow themselves to forgive and move forward. Fans will continue to cheer for these sexy, fun, humorous blue collar romance contemporaries with their strong sense of family and friendship. I am looking forward to the next story and crossing my fingers that the next couple is Heller and Rena.
Grade: B
Favorite Quote: “If you want him, have him. You have a right to be happy. Take joy in his man parts. Go forth, just don’t prosper.”
Lou Cortez is a true ladies man. Gorgeous, sexy, well mannered, good job, loves his family…he’s every woman’s dream man if he says so himself. So why can’t he get the lovely Josephine (Joey) Reeves to give him the time of day?
Joey looks at Lou and sees her biggest mistake. A mistake that gave her a beautiful son but still a mistake her parents never let her forget. She has spent nine years trying to make up for it and isn’t about to let anyone derail her. Even if he is the hottest man she’s ever seen.
A last minute request for flowers and an impromptu coffee date sets Joey and Lou on the road to romance. But Joey still has to tell Lou about her son and unless his attitude changes about kids, this affair is already set on a collision course to fail.
The fourth book in Marie Harte’s sexy and humorous Body Shop Bad Boys series-Collision Course-turns it’s attention to Lou Cortez, one of the four commitment phobic mechanics at Webster’s Garage. A spin-off of her yummy McCauley brothers series, Harte gives us the down and dirty on Del Webster’s ‘boys’ as they each fall in love and struggle to deal with it. There is some character/storyline crossover but it’s mild. This particular installment also references another series-The Donnigans-with some memories and a character crossover. Each book can be read as a standalone through previous couples and situations are addressed is.
As with the previous books, Harte once again delivers a humorous, sensual, earthy romance that deals the love and growth as it digs deep into the lives and insecurities of our couple. Harte takes her time setting the scene and the characterization with witty dialogue, endearingly characters, and a well-oiled storyline that keeps you entertained to he very end.
Lou is one of the mechanics at Webster’s Garage and does specialized car restoration on the side. A well-known ladies man, Lou gives as good as he gets, making sure his ladies are well satisfied before he leaves their bed and lives. Not a player exactly but more he hasn’t found the right woman for him yet. The product of a single mother who dated a lot, often at the expense of her children’s welfare, Lou has some serious issues with single mothers and commitment.
Joey comes from an upper middle-class family whose who carefully cultivated plans for her were derailed when she was impregnated at age fifteen. Shamed and deserted by the baby’s father, her friends, and more importantly, her family, Joey struggled to finish high school while supporting herself and her newborn son. Now, nine years later, she a degree in business and has received a promotion to manager. Through her parents are more agreeable towards her and their grandson now, there is still a lingering sense of disapproval from them that taints their relationship.
Lou and Joey are delightfully compatible. Fantastic chemistry, a genuine sense of attraction that goes beyond physical, and a romance that allows for plenty of sexual exploration allow readers to really get to know this couple and watch them work through their issues. Harte dials up the temperature with to scorching as our couple explores their mutual kink of light dominance and submission.
He cupped her breast and her body sizzled under his firm hand. He pinched her nipple through her clothes, and she bit her lip to stifle a groan.
“See, I think your deal is you like a firmer hand.”
They fall hard and fast but Harte believes in this couple and convinces us to also. Lou’s fall is so amusing to witness. Alway so confident around women, Lou being so out of sorts around Joey is hilarious. He met Joey during Del’s wedding and she refused to have anything o do with him. He chases her off page and when he catches her, he acts as though he is the luckiest man in town. Something that strikes Joey straight through the heart. She hasn’t had an easy life, abandoned by almost everyone when she needed them most, so to see this gorgeous man actually likes and wants her, is exhilarating. But she has to be careful though because she has another heart to protect.
The cast of secondary characters are just as fun as the protagonists and I think command a much stronger role in this story. I adore this tight knit group of mechanics with their appealing mixture of tough guy attitudes and heart melting vulnerability. Their sibling like relationship with one another celebrates friendship and families of all kinds. Though from different walks of life, their camaraderie is a strong base on which the series builds. The fast, furious, and funny banter flows between then like water with everyone air game for some high spirited teasing but when it counts, they always have each others back.
You good man?” Sam asked?
“Fine. Just surprised is all.”
“Okay. If you need to talk, Mr. Emotional is by the Accord.”
“Hey,.” Johnny yelled, buried under said Accord. “But he’s right. I’m here for you, Lou. A man of experience, wisdom, and emotional drivel.”
“More talky-talky. Great.”
We meet few new faces and see more than a few old friends. Joey’s friend Becky is hilarious and Lou’s whole family is wonderfully nosy and really steps up up to help Lou get over his fears. I hope we see more of Becky and the Cortez family in the future.
The ending is a happy catharsis that opens the door towards forgiveness and new beginnings when Joey and Lou are forced to confront all the pain and anger they’ve been carrying around and allow themselves to forgive and move forward. Fans will continue to cheer for these sexy, fun, humorous blue collar romance contemporaries with their strong sense of family and friendship. I am looking forward to the next story and crossing my fingers that the next couple is Heller and Rena.
Grade: B
January 10, 2018
Like most fans of this series, I was really looking forward to Lou's story but not for the same reason. Lou did not have the troubled background of the other guys and his large number of female relatives made him very interesting to me. He is the quintessential Latin lover - gorgeous, hot, charismatic and a ladies' man - and I wanted to know what kind of woman would trip him up. While Joey would not have been my first choice, there is something fitting about a man who has had his pick of the finest and most exotic beauties falling for a quiet, reserved florist. Thankfully, she was not so reserved once you got to know her and was able to hold her own with Lou.
Joey was a very admirable character in her own right. Having to take on a major responsibility at a very younger age meant that she was light-years more mature than her contemporaries and it showed in every one of her decisions. She worked hard to make a better life for herself and her son, in spite of the cost in terms of her relationship with her parents.
Watching Lou go from the smooth know-it-all who always offered his friends the best advice about women to a bumbling, slightly insecure man was very enjoyable, as was having his well-thought out plans about romance and relationships blown up by his feelings for Joey.
The dialogue was fun, and the banter and chemistry among the other characters made this a very entertaining book. There were a lot more secondary characters here, but they all added something to the story and made what would have otherwise been an okay story a lot more enjoyable. The cameos from characters from her other series was one of the highlights of the book for me.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
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Joey was a very admirable character in her own right. Having to take on a major responsibility at a very younger age meant that she was light-years more mature than her contemporaries and it showed in every one of her decisions. She worked hard to make a better life for herself and her son, in spite of the cost in terms of her relationship with her parents.
Watching Lou go from the smooth know-it-all who always offered his friends the best advice about women to a bumbling, slightly insecure man was very enjoyable, as was having his well-thought out plans about romance and relationships blown up by his feelings for Joey.
The dialogue was fun, and the banter and chemistry among the other characters made this a very entertaining book. There were a lot more secondary characters here, but they all added something to the story and made what would have otherwise been an okay story a lot more enjoyable. The cameos from characters from her other series was one of the highlights of the book for me.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
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January 9, 2018
Collision Course is an entertaining new book in the Body Shop Bad Boys series written by Marie Harte. This was a fun book to get into for it has a lot of humor, great characters and steamy action.
Joey is a single mom and she is not looking for a man. Her heart has been rung thru the ringer in the past so she is busy just trying to take care of her child. Lou is the mechanic and he is also the playboy of the men at work. He goes thru a lot of women until Joey . He couldn’t get her out of his head…she is the sweet florist and yet she wont give him the time of day. The way they met and how they met again will captivate the readers. Lou isn’t a bad guy and he really sets out to prove that he is the right guy for Joey. Thing is, Joey doesn’t let Lou in on several things from her past… and because she kept some secrets for a bit too long from certain people/characters in the book, it made me frustrated with her. But I totally respected her as a mother to her son. She did everything for him to make sure he was taken care of. When it comes to Lou and his interactions with Joey—normally he is a smooth talker but with Joey, he just seemed at times to be off his game or she was able to see thru his smooth talking. When you get to know his character, he really is a sweetie but some things he said rubbed me the wrong way, made snap judgements that he really should have thought twice about. It was good to see him eventually learn from his mistakes and to not make those kinds of comments and judgments like he was. The romance between Joey and Lou was definitely full of heat and passion. The sexual chemistry between the two of them was thru the roof! Lou and Joey faced a lot of hardships in the beginning but after the road of hardship they faced, things worked out for them. They had to face a lot but they worked hard together and that’s what I enjoyed reading. Ms. Harte has written a good romance read that shows them overcoming those issues and getting that HEA.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Joey is a single mom and she is not looking for a man. Her heart has been rung thru the ringer in the past so she is busy just trying to take care of her child. Lou is the mechanic and he is also the playboy of the men at work. He goes thru a lot of women until Joey . He couldn’t get her out of his head…she is the sweet florist and yet she wont give him the time of day. The way they met and how they met again will captivate the readers. Lou isn’t a bad guy and he really sets out to prove that he is the right guy for Joey. Thing is, Joey doesn’t let Lou in on several things from her past… and because she kept some secrets for a bit too long from certain people/characters in the book, it made me frustrated with her. But I totally respected her as a mother to her son. She did everything for him to make sure he was taken care of. When it comes to Lou and his interactions with Joey—normally he is a smooth talker but with Joey, he just seemed at times to be off his game or she was able to see thru his smooth talking. When you get to know his character, he really is a sweetie but some things he said rubbed me the wrong way, made snap judgements that he really should have thought twice about. It was good to see him eventually learn from his mistakes and to not make those kinds of comments and judgments like he was. The romance between Joey and Lou was definitely full of heat and passion. The sexual chemistry between the two of them was thru the roof! Lou and Joey faced a lot of hardships in the beginning but after the road of hardship they faced, things worked out for them. They had to face a lot but they worked hard together and that’s what I enjoyed reading. Ms. Harte has written a good romance read that shows them overcoming those issues and getting that HEA.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
February 28, 2021
A good read nothing was 'wow' for me and the book was too wordy for my taste.
Florist Joey Reeves met him at a wedding she was at, she can't stop thinking of him. Yet, she does all she can to stay away from him. She needs to care for her son, she needs to take her promotion to the next level, and she has to prove she didn't ruin her life by getting pregnant and having her son as a young teen.
Lou Cortez is a sexy Latino car mechanic and artist who can't stop thinking of her. He puts on all his moves but is rebuffed at every turn. He is set over time to get to know her, and to make her his. With his crazy friends at the shops, and his even wilder, mostly all women, huge family, he is in for a fight.
I like the struggle she had letting her walls down, I loved him in his role, but there were many chapters that I think weren't needed or could have been reduced. I think they just were more about past and maybe future characters in the series.
Florist Joey Reeves met him at a wedding she was at, she can't stop thinking of him. Yet, she does all she can to stay away from him. She needs to care for her son, she needs to take her promotion to the next level, and she has to prove she didn't ruin her life by getting pregnant and having her son as a young teen.
Lou Cortez is a sexy Latino car mechanic and artist who can't stop thinking of her. He puts on all his moves but is rebuffed at every turn. He is set over time to get to know her, and to make her his. With his crazy friends at the shops, and his even wilder, mostly all women, huge family, he is in for a fight.
I like the struggle she had letting her walls down, I loved him in his role, but there were many chapters that I think weren't needed or could have been reduced. I think they just were more about past and maybe future characters in the series.
February 8, 2018
Ramblings:
Some sites label romance novels with certain heat levels. I’d categorize Collision Course as hot (much like the Harlequin Blaze, or now, the Harlequin Dare series).
Summary:
Lou Cortez has never been this muddled and it’s beginning to show. Four months of panting and pining over the local florist and still: nothing. Joey won’t even glance in his general direction. Unheard of! Lou knows he’s attractive. They don’t call him “guapo” for nothing. Why then is Ms. Reeves ignoring his not so subtle come-ons? That’s what he’s about to find out because this Latin lover’s got a plan! It involves ordering flowers and some smooth-talking.
https://youtu.be/x6QZn9xiuOE
Review:
Collision Course is the fourth installment in the Body Shop Bad Boys series written by author Marie Harte. The series introduces readers to the hard-bodied mechanics who work at Webster’s Garage. This novel is Lou and Joey’s story.
Harte delivers a book steeped in raw emotionality. Two scenes in particular come to mind. The first scene with the heroine’s father left me speechless. The second drew me into the confrontation when Lou comes face-to-face with the heroine’s ex. It was also my favorite scene. Cortez went full-on alpha defending his woman. And I loved him all the more for it!
Adding to the book’s success is the inclusion of the hero’s meddling sisters (especially Stella who infuses a bit of spunk to the story). She loves defending her older brother. In addition, the male ribbing and camaraderie (I HATE spelling that word!) among the guys at Webster’s Garage and Heller’s Paint and Body cap an already well-rounded read. The aforementioned details cement my decision to read the others in the series. Case in point, I’m reading Johnny’s story now. You’ll find him in Test Drive.
You’ll like this story if:
#1 You’re searching for a hot read for Valentine’s day
#2 You read the old Harlequin Blaze or the “new” Harlequin Dare novels
#3 Love the reformed bad boys trope
#4 Want to see if Joey reforms “Lou” the Latin lover
#5 Like hard-bodied mechanics...with tattoos
Content: For mature readers. This novel includes “explicit” adult language and love scenes.
Disclosure:
I entered a newsletter giveaway and received a paperback copy of Collision Course. The author did not request a review. I posted one of my own accord and included my honest thoughts and ramblings.
Collision Course
Some sites label romance novels with certain heat levels. I’d categorize Collision Course as hot (much like the Harlequin Blaze, or now, the Harlequin Dare series).
Summary:
Lou Cortez has never been this muddled and it’s beginning to show. Four months of panting and pining over the local florist and still: nothing. Joey won’t even glance in his general direction. Unheard of! Lou knows he’s attractive. They don’t call him “guapo” for nothing. Why then is Ms. Reeves ignoring his not so subtle come-ons? That’s what he’s about to find out because this Latin lover’s got a plan! It involves ordering flowers and some smooth-talking.
https://youtu.be/x6QZn9xiuOE
Review:
Collision Course is the fourth installment in the Body Shop Bad Boys series written by author Marie Harte. The series introduces readers to the hard-bodied mechanics who work at Webster’s Garage. This novel is Lou and Joey’s story.
Harte delivers a book steeped in raw emotionality. Two scenes in particular come to mind. The first scene with the heroine’s father left me speechless. The second drew me into the confrontation when Lou comes face-to-face with the heroine’s ex. It was also my favorite scene. Cortez went full-on alpha defending his woman. And I loved him all the more for it!
Adding to the book’s success is the inclusion of the hero’s meddling sisters (especially Stella who infuses a bit of spunk to the story). She loves defending her older brother. In addition, the male ribbing and camaraderie (I HATE spelling that word!) among the guys at Webster’s Garage and Heller’s Paint and Body cap an already well-rounded read. The aforementioned details cement my decision to read the others in the series. Case in point, I’m reading Johnny’s story now. You’ll find him in Test Drive.
You’ll like this story if:
#1 You’re searching for a hot read for Valentine’s day
#2 You read the old Harlequin Blaze or the “new” Harlequin Dare novels
#3 Love the reformed bad boys trope
#4 Want to see if Joey reforms “Lou” the Latin lover
#5 Like hard-bodied mechanics...with tattoos
Content: For mature readers. This novel includes “explicit” adult language and love scenes.
Disclosure:
I entered a newsletter giveaway and received a paperback copy of Collision Course. The author did not request a review. I posted one of my own accord and included my honest thoughts and ramblings.
Collision Course
December 28, 2017
It's not the mistakes we make, but the lessons we learn that make us who we are.
Lou and Joey know that first hand. Honor students at the school of hard knocks are quick learners in heartbreaking scenarios. Marie Harte hits the freeway of love, as she navigates through bumpy roads and some killer views. Lou and Joey know that love is not always smooth sailing, nothing worth having ever is. However the rewards outweigh the heartache. Collision Course is a tempting uphill battle that speeds it's way into the heart.
Lou and Joey know that first hand. Honor students at the school of hard knocks are quick learners in heartbreaking scenarios. Marie Harte hits the freeway of love, as she navigates through bumpy roads and some killer views. Lou and Joey know that love is not always smooth sailing, nothing worth having ever is. However the rewards outweigh the heartache. Collision Course is a tempting uphill battle that speeds it's way into the heart.
November 29, 2017
Very slow, sweet start that suddenly shifts into overdrive with super fast drama and ILYs, this was a fun installment in the love lives of those macho garage guys from Webster's. Marie Harte delivered another steamy read about the garage guys, their gals, and the mistakes they have to make before realizing they're in love for good.
Lou is a total pretty player who has no intention of settling down but hasn't been able to make any headway with shy florist Joey. It takes a lot of patience and sweetness from Lou to coax Joey into seeing him as more than a flirty manwhore. But Joey has good reason to be cautious - the real love of her life, her young son Brandon. Having gotten pregnant at the age of 15, Joey has always put Brandon first and she doesn't know where Lou fits in her life as a single mom.
What Lou and Joey do have is a sexual connection they can't deny. Throw in pesky co-workers, nosy family members, awful parents, and the cutest kids, Lou and Joey's relationship is like a super fast rollercoaster of ups and downs. At first, I really disliked how weak and hesitant Joey was, especially as she chose to keep Brandon a secret from Lou. But learning more about her horrible parents, it made me realize that Joey, like most mothers, had put Brandon first for so long that she didn't know how to make a life for herself, much less a romantic relationship. That Lou wanted for Joey to have the best life possible made him the perfect partner for her.
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Lou is a total pretty player who has no intention of settling down but hasn't been able to make any headway with shy florist Joey. It takes a lot of patience and sweetness from Lou to coax Joey into seeing him as more than a flirty manwhore. But Joey has good reason to be cautious - the real love of her life, her young son Brandon. Having gotten pregnant at the age of 15, Joey has always put Brandon first and she doesn't know where Lou fits in her life as a single mom.
What Lou and Joey do have is a sexual connection they can't deny. Throw in pesky co-workers, nosy family members, awful parents, and the cutest kids, Lou and Joey's relationship is like a super fast rollercoaster of ups and downs. At first, I really disliked how weak and hesitant Joey was, especially as she chose to keep Brandon a secret from Lou. But learning more about her horrible parents, it made me realize that Joey, like most mothers, had put Brandon first for so long that she didn't know how to make a life for herself, much less a romantic relationship. That Lou wanted for Joey to have the best life possible made him the perfect partner for her.
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
January 3, 2018
2 stars
I just wasn't a huge fan of the pace of this book. It had a great start that got me into the book but by about the 5th chapter I was skimming and waiting for some action other than the two main characters having sex.
Joey is a single mom who has parents that won't let her forget she got pregnant at 15 and "ruined her life." Lou is an artist/mechanic who pretty much raised his many younger sister's and is adamant about never having children. Lou's been attracted to Joey since she was working with Del (from the previous book) on flowers for Del and Mikes wedding. He's relentless in pursuing her and when Joey does finally relent, she doesn't mention her 9 year old son. Things progress quickly between Joey and Lou without there ever being a mention of Brandon, her son, until things have gone past a comfortable point of filling Lou in. Plus, Brandon's father is coming back into the picture so things start getting confusing for everyone pretty quickly.
I will say the "sexy" scenes were hot, the author did a fantastic job, I just wish there would have been more the rest of the storyline. Honestly, the way that most of the characters are described it was almost depressing. Lou's mom is made out to be a whore, Joeys parents are nasty people who put their daughter down and treat her like she owes them the world and Felix, Joeys baby-daddy is described as this horrible person from the beginning. When Felix shows up wanting to get to know his son Joey is horrible to him. As I write this review I realize my biggest issue with this book is probably that I didn't like Joey, the heroine, at all. She lies to Lou, doesn't have a backbone with her parents until she comes into money and is horrible to Felix when he tries to make amends. Hopefully the next book in this series will be better.
Read and reviewed for Wicked Reads!
I just wasn't a huge fan of the pace of this book. It had a great start that got me into the book but by about the 5th chapter I was skimming and waiting for some action other than the two main characters having sex.
Joey is a single mom who has parents that won't let her forget she got pregnant at 15 and "ruined her life." Lou is an artist/mechanic who pretty much raised his many younger sister's and is adamant about never having children. Lou's been attracted to Joey since she was working with Del (from the previous book) on flowers for Del and Mikes wedding. He's relentless in pursuing her and when Joey does finally relent, she doesn't mention her 9 year old son. Things progress quickly between Joey and Lou without there ever being a mention of Brandon, her son, until things have gone past a comfortable point of filling Lou in. Plus, Brandon's father is coming back into the picture so things start getting confusing for everyone pretty quickly.
I will say the "sexy" scenes were hot, the author did a fantastic job, I just wish there would have been more the rest of the storyline. Honestly, the way that most of the characters are described it was almost depressing. Lou's mom is made out to be a whore, Joeys parents are nasty people who put their daughter down and treat her like she owes them the world and Felix, Joeys baby-daddy is described as this horrible person from the beginning. When Felix shows up wanting to get to know his son Joey is horrible to him. As I write this review I realize my biggest issue with this book is probably that I didn't like Joey, the heroine, at all. She lies to Lou, doesn't have a backbone with her parents until she comes into money and is horrible to Felix when he tries to make amends. Hopefully the next book in this series will be better.
Read and reviewed for Wicked Reads!
December 5, 2017
This was a fun one to read. I like Lou, he is ladies man and I mean that in a good way, Joey was a great challenge for him. I liked that she didn't give him the time of day when they first met, but had to be won over with small steps. Even when they started things up Joey kept Brandon a secret. It was the right choice to make as a mom and later when she confessed that she liked having Lou for herself it made me smile. Of course Lou learning about Brandon the way he did wasn't the greatest. I liked that Joey told him real soon after and not because he pushed her, but because she was ready on her own timetable. It didn't surprise me when Lou's own issues came up towards the end and he made the choice he did, making both himself and Joey unhappy. I did smile at those that came to talk to him to get his head out of his ass. Loved that things got resolved right away.
One a side note, hated Joey's parents, their snide comments made me want to bitch slap them. I was happy when Joey finally yelled at them for the way they treated her for her one mistake and how they lorded different things over her head for all of these years. It was a long time coming!
One a side note, hated Joey's parents, their snide comments made me want to bitch slap them. I was happy when Joey finally yelled at them for the way they treated her for her one mistake and how they lorded different things over her head for all of these years. It was a long time coming!
December 30, 2017
Collision Course (Body Shop Bad Boys #4) by Marie Harte
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Teen pregnancy, Emotionally abusive family, physical abuse, signing parental rights away
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but never felt that I was lost on who the characters were.
There are a lot of characters in this book. I really liked how they helped move the story along without overpowering Lou and Joey's story.
Joey has been trying to atone to her parents for several years. She knows that she's been a disappointment, but she can't regret her decision. She loves her son and knows what's best for him. While she wants to do more with her life, she also wants to be practical and not expose her son to too much or too many people. When she finally lets herself feel for someone else, it's scary and lovely all wrapped in to a yummy package known as Lou.
Lou has had his eye on Joey for a while. However, she was great at ducking him. He's surrounded by women in his life with all of his siblings, aunts, mom and grandma. He knows how women work and knows what makes them feel special and he just wants Joey to smile. He is also somewhat shy about his own upbringing, as his mom didn't make the best choices.
When love is on the line, can Joey and Lou stick it out? Or will they let their family dictate their choices? I enjoyed their story a lot but felt that there was a lot of Joey's story that was left unresolved - especially with her parents. It was just glossed over. However, this was enjoyable and Lou's family was laugh worthy almost every time.
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Teen pregnancy, Emotionally abusive family, physical abuse, signing parental rights away
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but never felt that I was lost on who the characters were.
There are a lot of characters in this book. I really liked how they helped move the story along without overpowering Lou and Joey's story.
Joey has been trying to atone to her parents for several years. She knows that she's been a disappointment, but she can't regret her decision. She loves her son and knows what's best for him. While she wants to do more with her life, she also wants to be practical and not expose her son to too much or too many people. When she finally lets herself feel for someone else, it's scary and lovely all wrapped in to a yummy package known as Lou.
Lou has had his eye on Joey for a while. However, she was great at ducking him. He's surrounded by women in his life with all of his siblings, aunts, mom and grandma. He knows how women work and knows what makes them feel special and he just wants Joey to smile. He is also somewhat shy about his own upbringing, as his mom didn't make the best choices.
When love is on the line, can Joey and Lou stick it out? Or will they let their family dictate their choices? I enjoyed their story a lot but felt that there was a lot of Joey's story that was left unresolved - especially with her parents. It was just glossed over. However, this was enjoyable and Lou's family was laugh worthy almost every time.
December 19, 2017
I love Marie Harte!! This is a book in the Body Shop Bad Boys Series, and we finally get Lou's story. Lou was the casanova who had a whole bunch of woman in his life, but not the ones you are thinking of, these are family members and he feels responsible for them and they also count on him, but they are a close family unit. He has never taken a woman to meet them and it is finally that time. Lou had met Joey when she was doing the flowers for Del's wedding and he was instantly attracted even though she was not like the woman he normally went for. Joey was a single mother, but Lou did not know that yet. Even though Joey tried to fight her attraction to Lou, they finally gave in and it was combustible. Loved reading about previous characters and their input. Read it my friends you will be glad you did. Enjoy!
January 3, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fourth book in the series, and is a really good addition to it. I found it necessary to disappear throughout the day to get it finished, and will be super tired in the morning - but wow it was worth it! (It took my brain an age to get used to Lou being male and Joey female, which made for some amusing mistakes as I was reading.)
Lou is a stand up guy who has never felt the need to settle down, but Joey has somehow caught his attention and he cannot shake her from his mind. As they slowly get to know each other, Joey has to decide just how much she can trust him. At times I felt that it was even slower than necessary, but I loved the story, from Lou's crazy family, to Brandon and his amazing manners, and love of soccer.
It was a very satisfying read, and I loved catching up with previous couples we have got to know. I think though that Lou and Joey are my favourites so far.
This is the fourth book in the series, and is a really good addition to it. I found it necessary to disappear throughout the day to get it finished, and will be super tired in the morning - but wow it was worth it! (It took my brain an age to get used to Lou being male and Joey female, which made for some amusing mistakes as I was reading.)
Lou is a stand up guy who has never felt the need to settle down, but Joey has somehow caught his attention and he cannot shake her from his mind. As they slowly get to know each other, Joey has to decide just how much she can trust him. At times I felt that it was even slower than necessary, but I loved the story, from Lou's crazy family, to Brandon and his amazing manners, and love of soccer.
It was a very satisfying read, and I loved catching up with previous couples we have got to know. I think though that Lou and Joey are my favourites so far.
March 6, 2018
Collision Course by Marie Harte
Gah! Why do I not realize books are part of series, before I dive into them…
This is in fact book 4 in Maries, Body Shop Bad Boys series, I have read any off them. So this one was one first.
Joey is a single mum, and she isn’t looking for a man. The last one she did have treated her like shit and ruined her little old heart. She has spent 9 years depending on her parentals for help. Now she is in a position where she can make it on her own.
Lou, damn! He will melt your heart. Joey is his boom; all Lou wants is a chance to prove that they could be magical together. He is a sexy Latino mechanic, and he will make you swoon. I loved him!
A comfortable contemporary romance.
Received an arc, for an honest review.
3.85 stars.
Gah! Why do I not realize books are part of series, before I dive into them…
This is in fact book 4 in Maries, Body Shop Bad Boys series, I have read any off them. So this one was one first.
Joey is a single mum, and she isn’t looking for a man. The last one she did have treated her like shit and ruined her little old heart. She has spent 9 years depending on her parentals for help. Now she is in a position where she can make it on her own.
Lou, damn! He will melt your heart. Joey is his boom; all Lou wants is a chance to prove that they could be magical together. He is a sexy Latino mechanic, and he will make you swoon. I loved him!
A comfortable contemporary romance.
Received an arc, for an honest review.
3.85 stars.
January 4, 2018
✦Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: COLLISION COURSE by Marie Harte https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-ayd
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
A nice quick read that kept me wondering how things would turn out. I enjoyed the friends and family surrounding Joey and Lou while the couple discovered how to mesh their lives together. This is a hot and sexy contemporary romance, with realistic life issues. I will admit that the climax scene bothered me…if I were Joey – I would have kicked Lou’s butt to the curb until he thought long and hard about his preconceived ideas about her. It was still an enjoyable story.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle http://amzn.to/2DEhwSB
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
A nice quick read that kept me wondering how things would turn out. I enjoyed the friends and family surrounding Joey and Lou while the couple discovered how to mesh their lives together. This is a hot and sexy contemporary romance, with realistic life issues. I will admit that the climax scene bothered me…if I were Joey – I would have kicked Lou’s butt to the curb until he thought long and hard about his preconceived ideas about her. It was still an enjoyable story.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle http://amzn.to/2DEhwSB
March 2, 2018
I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this one...but it wound up being a pretty good read! I was able to easily connect with the characters, and enjoyed watching them fall in love with one another. I did hate how Joey's family treated her...gah! They deserved her walking away from them like she did! The book was very realistic in this regard! I'm hoping to see more of what happens in this universe!
December 28, 2017
I love this series by Marie Harte and with each new book I fall just a little more in love each story I read and I read them over and over again as I can’t get enough of this series. Love everything about this series and Marie Harte always has me coming back for more each time she brings a new book out. One to look out for in my opinion as everyone should have a Marie Harte in there library.
December 6, 2017
The most charming of the series, this is a sweet little ditty. The relationship is exemplified by their first encounter - a little flirty, a little pushy, a little humorous, and a little thrilling. Additionally, Lou's relationship with all the women in his life --- his mother, aunts, and sisters is endearing. Though not perfect, it represents the deep care they have for one another.
November 2, 2021
The pace is rather slow, it was challenging not to give up on Lou and Joey.
We previously met Lou Cortez, an ace mechanic from the previous books in the series. He has a way with the ladies in and out of bed. Joey is a single mum raising her son, Brandon and living with her parents. Lou cannot fathom the reason Joey shies away from him. Joey knows about mistakes, after getting pregnant at fifteen, nine years ago and raising her son single-handedly.
Her parents are unapproachable and intimidating, often belittling her with backhanded remarks. Her father rarely says anything positive.
Overhearing her parents:::
“Girl should have a master’s and a decent job by now. Hell, we should be able to rent that unit out to help with the bills. Instead it’s losing value.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry. I just can’t help wondering what would have happened if she’d kept her damn legs closed nine years ago.”
“Andrew, take that back,” her mother snapped. “I love my grandson, and I can’t imagine a world without him.”
“I didn’t mean it like that, I love Brandon too. I just meant I can’t stand how she’s screwed up her life. Her choices are so—”
Lou comes from a huge family. A grandmother, a single mum, five sisters, five aunts, and thirteen cousins—his mother is a master at making bad decisions, at the expense of her children. She’s been married twice and had five girls by three men. His mother is pretty, and men like her. Hopefully eight year old Rosie, is the last—at fifty-five, his mother Renata should be thinking about retirement, not more children.
Renata is irresponsible and neglectful of her children, and has a lot of boyfriends. A lot. The family couldn’t afford sitters or food. Yet, she’d be out socialising, as Lou took care of his sisters, changing nappies and trying his best to feed them. Their grandmother would find out, scold Renata whilst helping them.
All would be well. Then she’d find a new man and ignore them all over again. A never ending cycle.
Lou and Joey begin ‘casually dating’. Recognising that she’s keeping secrets, he announces that he doesn’t plan to have any kids, a warning not to become attached. Reinforcing her decision to keep Brandon a secret
Joey was twenty-four, still paying for a teenage lapse in judgement. He’d worried that he might be growing too attached, so he’d given her the no-kids speech up front. And while his lips had been in overdrive, he’d been envisioning kids with Joey.
Her first year, her parents did their best to distance themselves, forcing her to do everything independently. Except her mother would sneak in to her room to handle the baby, more for the baby than to help Joey. A not-so-subtle form of punishment. Her parents might have helped her but only on their terms and without much sympathy for a young girl who’d made a mistake. She vows to never treat Brandon that way.
She feels so much anger when it came to them and their never letting her forget it. Punishing her for a teenage lapse in judgement.
Coincidentally, her secret is innocently revealed by none other than Colin, Del’s stepson and since Lou works for Del and Del’s stepson Colin and Brandon are friends, it was inevitable. Lou thinks Joey will behave as his mother blinded by memories of neglect, hence his reluctance on not dating single mothers.
Dexter, Brandon’s father confronts her at Brandon’s soccer game where initially she uses a few choice words telling him to get lost. Meeting for coffee, he apologises explaining past transgressions and explains how his admitting to his brother about her pregnancy led to his mother’s involvement.
“Was it really bad, Joey? I know the kids were cruel, but your parents were smart to take you out of school. Were they supportive? You mentioned they gave you a hard time. What was it like?”
“Dad was furious. Mom was disappointed. I swear she looked like she wanted to cry for the entire nine months I carried Brandon. Even after he was born, my parents treated me like a leper. Oh, Mom would sneak in and cuddle him, but other than that, I was on my own. At first I just stayed at home, working toward my GED, taking care of the baby. Always aware I needed to be independent and ‘take care of my own messes.’ They were so mad and disappointed. It really hurt.
It took a while, years, but my parents settled down. Mom’s over it all and so in love with Brandon, he’s like her personal mini-me. She dotes on him, and he loves her. Dad is still judgmental, still makes me feel like a fifteen-year-old who should have said no. I managed to get a bachelor’s degree in business. Put myself through school while working and taking care of Brandon. I just got a promotion to manager, and I’m thinking about starting an offshoot of the floral business with my boss’s okay.”
He gives her a child support cheque that’s years late but would finally allow her independence from her judgemental, stifling parents. Telling her parents about Felix’s return is explosive, and it erupts into her father slapping her across the face and her making a hasty retreat to Lou’s.
Brandon is an incredible boy, polite and thoughtful. Lou finally gets over his aversion to single mothers realising that despite Joey being a single mother, he shan’t be reliving his childhood.
We previously met Lou Cortez, an ace mechanic from the previous books in the series. He has a way with the ladies in and out of bed. Joey is a single mum raising her son, Brandon and living with her parents. Lou cannot fathom the reason Joey shies away from him. Joey knows about mistakes, after getting pregnant at fifteen, nine years ago and raising her son single-handedly.
Her parents are unapproachable and intimidating, often belittling her with backhanded remarks. Her father rarely says anything positive.
Overhearing her parents:::
“Girl should have a master’s and a decent job by now. Hell, we should be able to rent that unit out to help with the bills. Instead it’s losing value.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry. I just can’t help wondering what would have happened if she’d kept her damn legs closed nine years ago.”
“Andrew, take that back,” her mother snapped. “I love my grandson, and I can’t imagine a world without him.”
“I didn’t mean it like that, I love Brandon too. I just meant I can’t stand how she’s screwed up her life. Her choices are so—”
Lou comes from a huge family. A grandmother, a single mum, five sisters, five aunts, and thirteen cousins—his mother is a master at making bad decisions, at the expense of her children. She’s been married twice and had five girls by three men. His mother is pretty, and men like her. Hopefully eight year old Rosie, is the last—at fifty-five, his mother Renata should be thinking about retirement, not more children.
Renata is irresponsible and neglectful of her children, and has a lot of boyfriends. A lot. The family couldn’t afford sitters or food. Yet, she’d be out socialising, as Lou took care of his sisters, changing nappies and trying his best to feed them. Their grandmother would find out, scold Renata whilst helping them.
All would be well. Then she’d find a new man and ignore them all over again. A never ending cycle.
Lou and Joey begin ‘casually dating’. Recognising that she’s keeping secrets, he announces that he doesn’t plan to have any kids, a warning not to become attached. Reinforcing her decision to keep Brandon a secret
Joey was twenty-four, still paying for a teenage lapse in judgement. He’d worried that he might be growing too attached, so he’d given her the no-kids speech up front. And while his lips had been in overdrive, he’d been envisioning kids with Joey.
Her first year, her parents did their best to distance themselves, forcing her to do everything independently. Except her mother would sneak in to her room to handle the baby, more for the baby than to help Joey. A not-so-subtle form of punishment. Her parents might have helped her but only on their terms and without much sympathy for a young girl who’d made a mistake. She vows to never treat Brandon that way.
She feels so much anger when it came to them and their never letting her forget it. Punishing her for a teenage lapse in judgement.
Coincidentally, her secret is innocently revealed by none other than Colin, Del’s stepson and since Lou works for Del and Del’s stepson Colin and Brandon are friends, it was inevitable. Lou thinks Joey will behave as his mother blinded by memories of neglect, hence his reluctance on not dating single mothers.
Dexter, Brandon’s father confronts her at Brandon’s soccer game where initially she uses a few choice words telling him to get lost. Meeting for coffee, he apologises explaining past transgressions and explains how his admitting to his brother about her pregnancy led to his mother’s involvement.
“Was it really bad, Joey? I know the kids were cruel, but your parents were smart to take you out of school. Were they supportive? You mentioned they gave you a hard time. What was it like?”
“Dad was furious. Mom was disappointed. I swear she looked like she wanted to cry for the entire nine months I carried Brandon. Even after he was born, my parents treated me like a leper. Oh, Mom would sneak in and cuddle him, but other than that, I was on my own. At first I just stayed at home, working toward my GED, taking care of the baby. Always aware I needed to be independent and ‘take care of my own messes.’ They were so mad and disappointed. It really hurt.
It took a while, years, but my parents settled down. Mom’s over it all and so in love with Brandon, he’s like her personal mini-me. She dotes on him, and he loves her. Dad is still judgmental, still makes me feel like a fifteen-year-old who should have said no. I managed to get a bachelor’s degree in business. Put myself through school while working and taking care of Brandon. I just got a promotion to manager, and I’m thinking about starting an offshoot of the floral business with my boss’s okay.”
He gives her a child support cheque that’s years late but would finally allow her independence from her judgemental, stifling parents. Telling her parents about Felix’s return is explosive, and it erupts into her father slapping her across the face and her making a hasty retreat to Lou’s.
Brandon is an incredible boy, polite and thoughtful. Lou finally gets over his aversion to single mothers realising that despite Joey being a single mother, he shan’t be reliving his childhood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2017
This was my favorite installment from an overall fun and sweet series. The author's style is easy flowing and enjoyable and the characters are sparkling and baliavable. I"m looking forward to the next book. Recommend!
February 13, 2019
Lou
Lou has the hot for Joey the flower girl but they both have family drama . Lou family life and Joey son and parents. But can Lou accept it all and they find there happy ending in this book.
Lou has the hot for Joey the flower girl but they both have family drama . Lou family life and Joey son and parents. But can Lou accept it all and they find there happy ending in this book.
January 26, 2018
review to come
January 2, 2018
Lou Cortez has had Joey Reeves in his sight for months, and can't understand why she keeps giving him the brush-off.
Ever since Joey got pregnant at fifteen she's been on the receiving end of criticism. From her peers, from her parents, from her ex-boyfriend. She's learned to be cautious, not wanting to repeat mistakes. She's worked hard to provide for her son, he's loved, and he wants for nothing. But in doing this, she's also neglected things that would make her happy, like dating.
When Lou randomly walks into her flower shop one afternoon, she finally gives in and agrees to a date. Once Lou and Joey start dating they can't deny their attraction for one another. As things being to heat up between them, it seems like they're headed in two different directions relationship-wise. Lou not the type to ever consider starting a family - not after he all but raised his five younger sisters, and Joey with a son she's not yet ready to share with Lou.
Up to this point, Lou was my favorite "bad boy" of Webster's Garage. I'm happy that his book is finally out. Since we've been through three other books focusing on these mechanics, I liked that, in this one, the garage took a backseat to seeing more of Lou and Joey's lives outside of their work.
This is probably one of the better romance books I've read showcasing the single mother storyline. Marie Harte did a great job of balancing the fact that Joey has, essentially, raised her son on her own (with help from her parents, but with that help also came great disapproval). She realizes that sometimes it's ok for her to have needs too, and so she decides that it's finally time to say yes to Lou.
Joey's situation is a direct converse of what Lou's situation was when he was a child. Instead of his mother absolutely putting her children first, she loved them, but she followed her heart to all the wrong places. Consequently, Lou was required to step up and be the adult. He sees the single mother thing differently than Joey does and there's where the conflict of the story really comes in, with Lou's preconceived ideas of single mothers based on his own experience.
I liked the way the story is set up, though. The circling around one another that takes place as Joey tries to determine if she wants to put her heart out there, because she knows she has her son's feelings to consider as well, and while Lou doesn't immediately know about the child, he still sees Joey as someone to build a life with, which goes against everything he thought he wanted.
Overall, I was very happy with how Lou's book played out. There were quite a few potential secondary relationships hinted at that has me wondering where Marie Harte will go next. Lou is the final one from Webster's Garage to get their story. I'm wondering in what direction we'll branch off next. Wherever that might be, I'll be there!
Ever since Joey got pregnant at fifteen she's been on the receiving end of criticism. From her peers, from her parents, from her ex-boyfriend. She's learned to be cautious, not wanting to repeat mistakes. She's worked hard to provide for her son, he's loved, and he wants for nothing. But in doing this, she's also neglected things that would make her happy, like dating.
When Lou randomly walks into her flower shop one afternoon, she finally gives in and agrees to a date. Once Lou and Joey start dating they can't deny their attraction for one another. As things being to heat up between them, it seems like they're headed in two different directions relationship-wise. Lou not the type to ever consider starting a family - not after he all but raised his five younger sisters, and Joey with a son she's not yet ready to share with Lou.
Up to this point, Lou was my favorite "bad boy" of Webster's Garage. I'm happy that his book is finally out. Since we've been through three other books focusing on these mechanics, I liked that, in this one, the garage took a backseat to seeing more of Lou and Joey's lives outside of their work.
This is probably one of the better romance books I've read showcasing the single mother storyline. Marie Harte did a great job of balancing the fact that Joey has, essentially, raised her son on her own (with help from her parents, but with that help also came great disapproval). She realizes that sometimes it's ok for her to have needs too, and so she decides that it's finally time to say yes to Lou.
Joey's situation is a direct converse of what Lou's situation was when he was a child. Instead of his mother absolutely putting her children first, she loved them, but she followed her heart to all the wrong places. Consequently, Lou was required to step up and be the adult. He sees the single mother thing differently than Joey does and there's where the conflict of the story really comes in, with Lou's preconceived ideas of single mothers based on his own experience.
I liked the way the story is set up, though. The circling around one another that takes place as Joey tries to determine if she wants to put her heart out there, because she knows she has her son's feelings to consider as well, and while Lou doesn't immediately know about the child, he still sees Joey as someone to build a life with, which goes against everything he thought he wanted.
Overall, I was very happy with how Lou's book played out. There were quite a few potential secondary relationships hinted at that has me wondering where Marie Harte will go next. Lou is the final one from Webster's Garage to get their story. I'm wondering in what direction we'll branch off next. Wherever that might be, I'll be there!
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