SALEM Just some fun. Just one night of reckless, harmless, wild fun. That's what I told myself the night I hooked up with quite possibly the sexiest guy I've ever known. Only, I didn't want to KNOW him. Life is a series of temporary situations, or so it's always been for me. A future revolves around the next move, but I'm still the type to live in the moment on a seldom occasion, consequences be damned. Unless that moment happens to be unknowingly landing in bed with my brand new stepbrother. The universe is a mean, twisted jerk. And one consequence is that I have to be around him and get to know him. The worst consequence is the fact that Maverick Sterling, the infamous playboy who can't possibly be tamed, is really hard not to want more of once you've had a taste. So long as I'm not stupid enough to fall in love, it shouldn't be a big deal. Right? MAVERICK My life has been blissfully simple for a really long time. I have a routine. I have friends. I have family. Yet everyone seems to have less and less time, since they're all sort of trying to be adults or what the hell ever. I blame them for the fact the only girl to ever ditch me without a backward glance is suddenly under my skin. I blame my father for the fact she's a new fixture in my life. Not that I knew that before I got a little overly friendly with my new stepsister. I mean, what are the odds? It shouldn't have been possible. But it happened. It figures the one girl I can't get out of my head is the one girl who doesn't want to be with me. At least in my head she's the only girl who doesn't want to be with me, because I tend to be arrogant like that. The point is, now she's everywhere I turn, yet she's marking a line in the sand that she thinks I really won't cross. Obviously she doesn't know me at all. *Can be read as a stand-alone *Sexual Content *Adult Language
Overall Opinion: This was cute and funny but sadly is not going on my favorites shelf. I laughed out loud more than a few times and I loved Maverick. I struggled with the h’s mom as the villain as it felt inconsistent and even odd at times. I also struggled with the h when she was putting on a hot and cold front that I felt made her almost not good enough for the awesome H! The ending was just a set up for the next book and not really an ending. So! This was a fun, light read for anyone that wants a few laughs and an awesome H, but not for those looking for anything more than that.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Salem and Maverick’s story. Salem is out for a hookup after moving yet again to follow her mom and little brother and finds Maverick for a hot night. Maverick is not used to women leaving him after his “warmup” and can’t stop thinking about her, so when he finds out she is actually his new stepsister he is shocked but still intrigued. They start a friendship that crosses the line a few times and deeper feelings start to develop. There is some family drama, some funny moments, and some sexy times…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Salem and Maverick’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes.
H (Hero) rating: 5 stars. Maverick. I loved him! My kinda guy 😜
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Salem. She was just alright. I didn’t like how she pushed away.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with an epilogue that pretty much just sets up the next book and is not focused on this couple all that much. I wanted much more closure with possibly a farther jump ahead epilogue. I would classify this as a HFN ending .
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
I love Sterling shore series. Its one of the best series, I ever read. It's always full of fun, craziness, hotness or tears, it would be from breaking your heart or laughing so much. And Taming A Maverick is no different. I love Maverick. He is another hero, in this series, who steals my heart. I'm warning you now, if you had read previous books, you already have a crush on Maverick, but when you meet him in his own book.... It's just impossible not to fall for him. He's perfection. Arrogant, sexy and full of ego, that all Sterlings has. But also is sweet, funny, carring and loyal. Like I said, mission impossible to be indifferent to Maverick.
I have some serious reservations about the men, the women, the relationships in this series which begs the question why I've read so many, but this was beyond entertaining. Not for Channing Tatum on the cover the hero or heroine, but the demon cat Banana and the equally demonic half-brother of the heroine and the torture he puts the H and his own mother through. Thank you for making me laugh out loud.
Hard to review any of these books now given the death of C.M.. Owens last year under tragic circumstances.
Some books are just easy to fall into and take the journey the author envisioned, and this is one of those books. It flows perfectly. It’s honest and logical.
Each character is a little damaged. They have real hang ups that humanize them. They each have strengths and weaknesses. Yet, the inner dialogue NEVER feels like a sob story. It’s the perfect recipe to know the characters without feeling smothered by the ID.
Chemistry is palpable and slowly builds with each interaction - nothing rushed nor boring. A couple I rooted for a HEA!!!
There’s no big grandiose plot of kidnapping, OW/OM, lies and secrets, etc propelling the story. Yet, humor, wit, amazing side characters, and rooting for the MCs connection keeps the story crisp and moving along perfectly.
I spent most of the book with a smile on my face. Some amazing lines and scenes had me snorting and eye rolling at the humor. A couple of their “moments” became hardcore swoon moments for me, too. My eyes even got a little watery several times.
Loved the kid. Loved the cat. I ate the whole pie:)
It’s a sexy book for tension and attraction. The actual sex scenes are befitting for the book. It’s not erotica, but it’s also not short formula of insert P in V. I call it sweet heat.
This book is perfect aside from one small thing. I would have really loved to know more about how Salem became Salem. Mainly, with such a prim mom controlling appearances… how did Salem become a mechanic? It’s not something that hindered her character development, but it felt like a big hole.
My only other complaint is that the book’s cover art doesn’t rep the book well. Where are the color-streaks in her hair? Where are his chest and arm tattoos? The random pink A’s made me curious if I missed some insider joke. And, if I wouldn’t have already been a fan of this author, I don’t think the cover would’ve caught my attention. Just some feedback.
5 twinkling stars for rom-com. Bravo.
Note: This is a series, and I had not read any of the previous Sterling books. I jumped in here with no problem, and I plan to backtrack to get the side character stories.
Maverick is the last one standing. The lone single guy in the midst of couples he loves and secretly envies. That is, until, Salem struts out onto the dance floor of Silk, looking to seduce the sexy stranger into a one night stand. It may have only been a good time if they weren't thrown together again as a result of his father marrying her mother. Step-siblings! Too taboo for this Sterling? No chance.
I have a reason for my 4 -not 5- Star rating and it's a completely personal opinion. CM is on point as always! I just didn't connect to it like I would have liked to or as I have to the others in the series.
In the beginning, and I'm going way back to The Sterling Boys and Loving War, Maverick was the one I couldn't wait for! He was sexy, charming, and completely irresistible in the can't be tamed sense (no pun intended)! But as we moved onto Breaking Even and Triple Dare...then into Identical Disaster and Perfectly Toxic, Maverick became the goofy brother I wasn't looking for. As we neared the release of his book I almost came to dread it. Then Make Me arrived and at the end was the beginning of Maverick's journey. I wasn't as excited anymore.
I have an obsession with CM Owen's novels. I've read everything published that I can get my hands on! And I love them all in their own special way.
I love Taming a Maverick in its own way.
There were moments I laughed so hard I cried. But while I felt for them at times, I didn't find myself emotionally connecting to Maverick and Salem. My heart didn't race in anticipation for them the way it did when Jax didn't know Bo wasn't her sister. I didn't cry like I did when Corbin broke Ruby's heart for the last time. I didn't melt like I did when Kode realized he fell for Tria.
I know I shouldn't compare Taming a Maverick to its predecessors, but I don't know how not to. It's very well written, which is no surprise, and it's a great story. I love the step sister angle and Salem's little brother is one of the best supporting characters ever! I just wanted to feel their connection and their love more than I did.
Confessions of a Romance Junkie review by: Candice Marie
The Sterling Shore series is one of my absolute favorite romantic comedy series hands down! I've been intrigued by Maverick since Rain and Dane's book, and had been highly anticipating his story for almost two years! I was fascinated by how seemingly carefree and fun he was but also by how fiercely loyal and protective he is over those he cares about. And as each new book in the series was released I fell more in love with the glimpses of his character that were given. I knew I loved him before I “met” him!
The very second Taming a Maverick hit my kindle, I literally dropped everything and began reading, happily getting lost in the world of Sterling Shores! This book lived up to every single one of my expectations and more! Maverick was his typical hilarious, sexy, and charming self and his willingness to put aside his manwhore ways and almost immediately embrace giving commitment and monogamy a try for Salem was not what I expected from him, but a pleasant surprise. As for Salem, well, I’ll admit that at first, I honestly wasn’t sure how I felt about her or if I even liked her. I kind of wanted Maverick’s girl to be a total opposite of who he was, someone shy and maybe even timid, but as I ventured further into the story it became clear that Salem was perfect for him and she quickly became one of my favorite heroines from the SS series! I understood why she was the way she was, and my heart broke for her and while I may not have agreed with some of the choices she made I also got why she felt she had to make them. She was protecting her heart in the only way she knew how.
I loved Sean, and the interaction between Maverick and Sean kept a smile on my face each and every time! I loved possessive Maverick and nearly peed myself with laughter over his antics! I loved the appearances of the other characters, and swooned over the many layers of himself Maverick revealed to us and how patient he was with Salem. I loved their connection and I sighed with stars in my eyes over his unwillingness to give up during moments when mostly anyone would have. This was not only a story of two people unlikely to ever want a relationship finding their way towards one another but also one of redemption, family, personal growth and forgiveness. I cried over the raw emotions pouring from the pages and into my heart, I cackled like a demented hyena during parts that were funny and I finished this book with feelings of warmth, happiness, hope, intense cravings for lemon pie, and a giant smile on my face! Honestly one of the best books in the series and now one of my favs right up there with Loving War and Breaking Even!
Not on Top like others in this series but I like it !!! Pie moment maverick ;) But at the end there is a chapter of ‘Talk Nerdy to me ‘ story of Britt , anyone can tell me if is here a Book ?
*Provided an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
We finally have it. Maverick's story and it was definitely worth the long wait.
It comes at no surprise by now, if you follow my reviews, that I am obsessed with C.M. Owens and this series. Seems just yesterday I one-clicked my first eBook, which happened to be Hooked on the Game, first book of this series (which is free by the way). Since then, I have read and loved every book of this series.
Maverick is one of those characters you can't help but love and instantly become intrigued by the moment you are introduced to him. He's the character that no believes is going to find that "magic pussy" and finally settle down, that is until he meets Salem.
Salem is just looking for a fun night with someone. She a isn't looking for anything more, because she never knows when she will be packing up and heading back to Georgia with her little brother and her mother, who doesn't know how to just settle with one man; until she marries Ian Sterling. Salem and Maverick have no idea that they won't be just seeing each other for that one night, they will be seeing each other a lot because they are step siblings.
This book was simply everything I hoped for with Mavericks story. It was funny, swoon worthy, and just perfect. And I can't wait for Brit and Base's story next.
I was so hopeful. I wanted this so much- this is Maverick!!! It was so meh that I weep disappointedly. The h was weak and not fun enough. The H wasn't greater than life like before. And most importantly... We didn't get Bananas time, like at ALL!!!
This book was fantastic...and definitely pulled on the heart strings and had a lot of laugh out loud moments! I loved Mav and I loved Salem! I am so excited about the teasers at the end of the book!!! Britt's story and Conner!!! I love college books!!! Squeee
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
There are very few authors who draw me into their fictional worlds and have me wanting to stay indefinitely. C. M. Owens is high on that list and always leaves me begging for more. Out of all of the Sterlings, Maverick is the one that I couldn't wait to see find love. He is just so special in every way and I was worried that C. M. Owens wouldn't be able to find a heroine that would match his fire and humor. After meeting Salem and watching the fireworks and antics between her and Maverick, I knew that she was perfect! Owens keeps her readers rolling with laughter and even more in love with the practical jokes, triple dares, and funny tweets.
Maverick Sterling is my absolute favorite Sterling. I have fawned over him from the beginning of the series, laughed at all of his jokes, and wished for C.M. Owens to finally give us his book! Now that she has done just that, I find myself with bittersweet feelings about my time spent with Maverick. I enjoyed every word of his love story but I am so very sad to see his book end. His will be a story much like Corbin and Ruby's in Triple Dare that I will have to visit again and again. He has the most devilish sense of humor and is oh so delicious. There is no way that any reader could resist him. He has lived up to all of my fictional fantasies and so much more!
Salem Wright had me intrigued from the moment she walked into the Sterling Shores club “Silk” and rocked Maverick to his very core. She charmed me with her wit and had me singing her praises with her ability to outsmart Maverick at every turn and give him the chase of his life. I adore her love for her family and admire all the sacrifices she has made for her younger “smart ass” brother Sean who kept me laughing through my tears. I love this heroine so hard and look forward to seeing her and her brothers in future books.
C.M. Owens delivers a new, unique, even more hilarious addition to the Sterling Shores series that I know will cause so much laughter, warmth, and joy in readers hearts everywhere. I highly recommend Taming A Maverick for more heat, humor, and heart with the Sterlings that will have you falling farther for this family. Owens never fails to illicit strong emotional responses whether it is tickling your funny bone, stoking your libido, or melting your heart. Her writing is endearing and genius!
What are you doing with your life if you’re not reading sterling shores??
When I say that you will laugh out loud at this book, I truly mean you will full blown belly laugh at this book. I love this series so much and all of the overlapping characters. This series makes you wish you had your own sterling shore family. Technically these books can be read as standalones, but all of the side characters are previous couples from past books, so if you don’t read them in order some of the inside jokes and banter between the group won’t make sense to you. Maverick and Salem’s story is probably one of my favorites out of the series, although I say that about them all. Maverick is hilarious, add in Salem’s southern charm (which I loved because I’m from the south), an evil hairless cat, and of course the quick witted devils spawn who is Salem’s little brother, and this makes for a very entertaining read. Steamy scenes are top notch, as per the authors usual. The angst and love between the characters always gets you in the feels. And it was nice to see the man not mess the relationship up for once lol honestly, this book didn’t have a super dramatic relationship ending scene, they were torn apart based solely on circumstances, not because they messed up and did something stupid. That was pretty refreshing. And to me if made the feelings extra strong because neither of them wanted to be without the other one. To love someone so much and want to be with them, knowing they love you just as much, but can’t seem to be together due to something beyond your control? All the feels. If you haven’t started this series, you really need to. CM Owens is a one click read for me. I first came across her books while reading her reverse harem series under her pen name Kristy Cunning, and I’ve been hooked on her ever since. Definitely one of my top favorite authors now.
I received an arc copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Another Sterling Shore Hero to steal my heart!! We have met the adorable, confident, cocky, man whorish Maverick in other Sterling Shore books and this time its Mav and Salem to get their story. I was so excited to start this book and i was most definitely not disappointed !!! Maverick and Salem meet at Silks night club, neither want a relationship, nor involvement of any kind other than a hook up. Salem is definitely NOT looking for a boyfriend. Her life isn't straight forward, with her screwed up mother and never settling in one place long enough to really call it home. The attraction between both is impossible to resist but after their one night "Warm Up" they find that they are new step siblings !!! Awkward Yeah? We get everything with this book, Hotness, humor, tears, and some so so tender moments that your heart just melts. From beginning to end the banter and humor among this couple and group of friends just keeps endearing them all the more into your heart. I love this series and this book has definitely become one of my favorites, from Pie Moments, to teary moments, and Sean stealing a chunk of the show, this is a book and a series you must read.
This book gave me so many feels. I absolutely fell in love with Maverick...and Salem. I always liked Maverick, but Ethan and Rye were my two favorites. I have to say, Maverick totally won me over. I think it was his smartassery...along with Salem's. I really loved that couple and I might even go as far as saying that they're my favorite SS couple. Never would've thought that since I've always been team Ethan/Bella & Rye/Brin.
I feel like Inhad a grin on my fave throughout the book...I mean except for the times I was crying like a nut...speaking of nut...did you know that tuna sub spelled backwards is...what Sean wants to do to his teachers face?! Bahaha omg Best. Part. Ever. There were so many laugh out loud moments for me...and the "moments"...I loved when Mav had them. I love that he finally gets to feel what the rest of the gang feels. I also just really love his smart mouth and his special talent for making situations go from awkward to hilarious. He's totes my new book boyfriend! I can't wait to read about Britt next! Even though I still want more Mav and Salem. Looking forward to seeing them again in the next books. Keep on being rad and clutzy CM Owens! Your books keep gettin better and better!!
I was anxiously awaiting Maverick's story. His character was so dynamic in the books so I was happy to see his story. I was happy with his go get him attitude because it reminded me of me. I need my space. Need to wallow and think of a situation but not for more than a day or two and they go for it. Loved how he confronted his dad and stepmom during the breakup. Sorry that I caught up with the books now. I would love to see an overall catch up book because there are some loose ends, for instance, does Kode finally ask Tria to get married and does she accept. Is Kode and Raya ever going to have a wedding day. The brother Sean is a character. I would not want to take care of him but at the same time I think it would be fun. I really like the screen that Maverick and Sean had dancing. The author has an interting way of creating interesting plots and storytelling and the best is the fun and laughter I get to experience. With my high level of stress at work and all the saddnes in the world today, I need to read good stories but laughter. To be create both and ewtine in a good original story is not easy so Kudo's to the author. Keep up the good work.
I absolutely love this series! Typically when reading a series with many books, the series can become redundant ; not with the SS series! Whew! They are so funny, sexy and whitty. The banter between characters is hilarious and the character development is unlike any other I've read. The characters from past are still relevant and we are given a glimpse into their lives past their own epilogue. I can't say enough great things about this series and the author. I love all her books and can't wait for Britts story as well as Connors story. To know Ms. Owens has many more upcoming projects has made my day!
I have been waiting for Maverick since I found out he was going to have his own book!! Maverick is the whole package: Sexy Smooth Cocky Experienced Funny and Intelligent. Any woman who could tame Mav has to be special in their own right. I looooved Salem. She's now my second favorite Sterling woman. Loving, caring, but takes no shit...I think being brought up mostly by her older brothers (who love and adore her) gave her the tough skin she needed to deal with her bitch ass mother (although it was good to see a parent kinda redeem herself in the end..doesn't happen often in books). SEAN!!!!!! I love SEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's a little shit and a Mini Mav!! "Are you my new daddy?" It's the funniest book of the Sterling Shore series. It was amazing!!!! Another fabulous job C.M. Owens!! Now on to Base!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Sterling Shore series continues to be one of my favorites, and I really enjoyed Maverick's story! I was somewhat disappointed when I found out this was going to be a stepbrother romance since I'm not particularly keen on them, but this one actually worked for me. I loved Maverick's and Salem's honesty with each other the most. I'm so glad that Maverick was not matched with Britt and look forward to reading about her and Base!
The downside to this books is that we are getting closer to the end of the series and a series that I never want to see end.
This time it is Maverick's story that we get to read and in true CM fashion, we get snippits of the rest of the gang too.
Has Maverick Sterling finally met his match in Salem? Will he be as pussy whipped as the rest of them?
I Love Maverick, he has been the hardest one to tame and the 1st one to take the micky out of his friends when they fell in love. However, what happens when the shoe is on the other foot?
Salem knows not to get her hopes up at staying in a place to along, not to get attached and get her hopes up. As it always comes crashing down.
This is a book of hope, lust and romance. Along with some amazing giggles on the way.
I can't believe we're nearing the end only Britt's book and the wedding left then this series is finished and as much as I to read theses book I really don't want this to end. Maverick's book was everything I wanted and more.
4.5 One of my favorites in the series, for sure. Maverick was the best! I loved him in this!! It didn't get 5 stars because Salem pissed me off toward the end. She was being ridiculous! What the heck is wrong with people? If you love someone there are always compromises you can make for each other- without being resentful, as well as things you can do for long distance. Ugh.