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One Night Stand #1
His Rules
Abby Harkness has been burned by love before—finding your fiancée is sleeping with your sister kind of does that to a girl. To avoid further hurt, Abby turns sex into a full contact sport, to be played by her rules. And her most important rule? One night only. Everything is working to plan until she lets Marcus Brookhein under her defences. Marcus is competitive to the core and he will bend the rules to win Abby’s heart. It’s all out war, and it’s about to get dirty.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
33 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Toni J. Strawn
5 books66 followersToni J. Strawn loves everything romance. Hot, bad, crazy, out-of-control romance. She is a self-professed maestro of the one night stand and loves throwing the unlikeliest of characters together to create sizzling hot happy ever afters.
When not locked away in her Romansion, a tiny writing shed at the bottom of the garden, Toni can be found feeding her addiction to romance, or hanging with her three amazing kids.
When not locked away in her Romansion, a tiny writing shed at the bottom of the garden, Toni can be found feeding her addiction to romance, or hanging with her three amazing kids.
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October 17, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a fun, sexy and enjoyable read. It is the first in the series, so leaves the ending open - but in a good way.
I found the acts and thoughts of the two leads to be very entertaining. Their actions were regularly hot and most often in complete contravention of their words. I always enjoy it when the female lead is reluctant to get involved, and institutes men's rules - for a man to want to break them. She does a reasonable job of continuing to maintain control, and not appear to capitulate too quickly - which can be annoying. The writing is good, the pace fast and the story has enough depth.
I do hope Ms Strawn is busy creating book 2 for our entertainment.
This is a fun, sexy and enjoyable read. It is the first in the series, so leaves the ending open - but in a good way.
I found the acts and thoughts of the two leads to be very entertaining. Their actions were regularly hot and most often in complete contravention of their words. I always enjoy it when the female lead is reluctant to get involved, and institutes men's rules - for a man to want to break them. She does a reasonable job of continuing to maintain control, and not appear to capitulate too quickly - which can be annoying. The writing is good, the pace fast and the story has enough depth.
I do hope Ms Strawn is busy creating book 2 for our entertainment.
May 19, 2019
This is the story of Marcus and Abby, and their incessant competitiveness. I didn't really care for this story. The game got old very quickly, and it ended up being the entire story. The steamy scenes were great, but there was just something missing. They never really grew together as a couple. Abby is understandably leery of love and relationships, but Marcus seemed to only be attracted to her because of "the game."
It was ok, but not great. I'm glad it was a freebie.
It was ok, but not great. I'm glad it was a freebie.
October 12, 2015
This short, very hot read pitches a battle of wills and restraint (mostly lack thereof) between two determined characters – one who wants nothing beyond a single sexy night, and one who won’t settle for anything less than everything.
Abby’s life was irrevocably changed by the triple betrayal of her ex and family. It wasn’t just her trust that was shattered, but her belief in deeper emotions and her willingness to engage with anyone beyond the physical. She works hard, she hooks up for one night and she moves on. That’s the only life she wants – one that doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t feel particularly good either and there’s an emptiness inside she can’t shake, but she prefers that to betrayal. And this is what makes her an interesting, empathetic character. It would be easy to judge or dislike her, but there’s so much more to Abby than her work and her one night stands.
Which is what Marcus sees, even when he thinks she’s nothing more than a challenge. Marcus is a man who made himself from nothing. He didn’t have family support and he only really has one close friend, but he loves a challenge and has built a highly successful life out of winning. It’s no wonder he’s attracted to Abby, but while she’s smart enough to want to avoid him at first, he fools himself into thinking this is an easy game to win.
What follows is packed with heat. Seriously, this book is hot, so if sex and thoughts about sex and talk about sex isn’t your thing, walk away. There is more to this story than the sex, of course, but it’s a pretty unavoidable part of the plot when that’s all Abby is willing to give and it’s what Marcus is willing to use to gain more. The pair of them are stubborn and earthy and determined to win, even when neither of them can quite recall what the game is anymore.
There are also a lot of emotions swilling around, mostly from Abby. She might have spent three years doing her best to feel nothing, but that’s impossible with Marcus in the frame. And everything that happens with her sister. I have to admit I wish there had been more closure on everything to do with her family (her mother in particular), because as easy as it was to see why that messed Abby up so badly, I felt it needed to be dealt with more firmly in order for her to move on. Marcus is much more straightforward, once he sorts his priorities out, but that doesn’t save him from heartache, of course. Not when he and Abby are so stubborn and bad at communicating. Thank goodness for Abby’s best friend, is all I can say.
Short and sexy this book may be, but it also delivers a satisfyingly emotional plot that turned all the games into so much more than winners and losers. If you’re looking for something hot with a bit of extra depth, then you should give this a try. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing what this author has to offer next – especially if it involves Marcus’ friend Cole.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Abby’s life was irrevocably changed by the triple betrayal of her ex and family. It wasn’t just her trust that was shattered, but her belief in deeper emotions and her willingness to engage with anyone beyond the physical. She works hard, she hooks up for one night and she moves on. That’s the only life she wants – one that doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t feel particularly good either and there’s an emptiness inside she can’t shake, but she prefers that to betrayal. And this is what makes her an interesting, empathetic character. It would be easy to judge or dislike her, but there’s so much more to Abby than her work and her one night stands.
Which is what Marcus sees, even when he thinks she’s nothing more than a challenge. Marcus is a man who made himself from nothing. He didn’t have family support and he only really has one close friend, but he loves a challenge and has built a highly successful life out of winning. It’s no wonder he’s attracted to Abby, but while she’s smart enough to want to avoid him at first, he fools himself into thinking this is an easy game to win.
What follows is packed with heat. Seriously, this book is hot, so if sex and thoughts about sex and talk about sex isn’t your thing, walk away. There is more to this story than the sex, of course, but it’s a pretty unavoidable part of the plot when that’s all Abby is willing to give and it’s what Marcus is willing to use to gain more. The pair of them are stubborn and earthy and determined to win, even when neither of them can quite recall what the game is anymore.
There are also a lot of emotions swilling around, mostly from Abby. She might have spent three years doing her best to feel nothing, but that’s impossible with Marcus in the frame. And everything that happens with her sister. I have to admit I wish there had been more closure on everything to do with her family (her mother in particular), because as easy as it was to see why that messed Abby up so badly, I felt it needed to be dealt with more firmly in order for her to move on. Marcus is much more straightforward, once he sorts his priorities out, but that doesn’t save him from heartache, of course. Not when he and Abby are so stubborn and bad at communicating. Thank goodness for Abby’s best friend, is all I can say.
Short and sexy this book may be, but it also delivers a satisfyingly emotional plot that turned all the games into so much more than winners and losers. If you’re looking for something hot with a bit of extra depth, then you should give this a try. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing what this author has to offer next – especially if it involves Marcus’ friend Cole.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
September 1, 2015
For sure this is an erotic case of cat and mouse. This is for keeps in a way more pleasurable way. You see Abby Harkness had been burned by love in the worst way. Not only had she been betrayed by the man she had been planning on spending the rest of her life with, her fiancé Nathan. Not only did he betray her he broke her.
You see when her sister Nicky came back from abroad she never thought she would have to worry about the two people she loved the most hooking up. Well she was wrong. Not only did they hook up behind her back, while she was at school they did it in their home. As if that wasn’t enough she was the last to know that it had been going on for a long time and no one wanted to hurt her including her mom.
That’s when she said enough was enough. She told them all off packed up and left town. Leaving no forwarding address or phone number. Now she has her own set of rules when it comes to guys never stay in a man’s bed more than one night with nothing more than hot hard sex. Which never allowed the men close enough to hurt her. Then they become murky. Because guy number one, Logan the one she picks when she shows up at her new assignment. He the HR guy at Croven’s, ends up being a guy just as scummy as her ex because Logan it turns out is engaged too and at no time during the 6 weeks of flirting does he say a word.
The killer is the guy she knows is totally unsafe because he wants more from it she can tell because he too is a rule player and knows the game. And he would not play by the, her rules he would play by his rules, Marcus Brookhein, is the one that tells her too about Logan. So, after she set Logan straight while he was jacking off in the men’s room waiting for her to come in and watch, boy was he surprised when she brought up his fiancé. In fact he went down right pale and his member deflated at once. She went to the hotel bar to drink off her mad and he goes for his phone. He leaves and Marcus quietly tells the bartender to water down her drinks then he makes his move. Asking what her rules are. He had been watching her for the past 6 weeks play Logan and Logan play her. So, he wanted the rules up front. Once they were met then they could move forward in his mind. He asks again. She says “Only players. Only sex. And most importantly, only one night.” She got cocky and asked, “Do you want to play?” Marcus says, “I’m thinking about it.”
Game on. See how these two use the rules to meet and beat their own rules. Or was it torture that they like really the pain was better than the pleasure? You’ll have to decide when you read and see for yourself. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
You see when her sister Nicky came back from abroad she never thought she would have to worry about the two people she loved the most hooking up. Well she was wrong. Not only did they hook up behind her back, while she was at school they did it in their home. As if that wasn’t enough she was the last to know that it had been going on for a long time and no one wanted to hurt her including her mom.
That’s when she said enough was enough. She told them all off packed up and left town. Leaving no forwarding address or phone number. Now she has her own set of rules when it comes to guys never stay in a man’s bed more than one night with nothing more than hot hard sex. Which never allowed the men close enough to hurt her. Then they become murky. Because guy number one, Logan the one she picks when she shows up at her new assignment. He the HR guy at Croven’s, ends up being a guy just as scummy as her ex because Logan it turns out is engaged too and at no time during the 6 weeks of flirting does he say a word.
The killer is the guy she knows is totally unsafe because he wants more from it she can tell because he too is a rule player and knows the game. And he would not play by the, her rules he would play by his rules, Marcus Brookhein, is the one that tells her too about Logan. So, after she set Logan straight while he was jacking off in the men’s room waiting for her to come in and watch, boy was he surprised when she brought up his fiancé. In fact he went down right pale and his member deflated at once. She went to the hotel bar to drink off her mad and he goes for his phone. He leaves and Marcus quietly tells the bartender to water down her drinks then he makes his move. Asking what her rules are. He had been watching her for the past 6 weeks play Logan and Logan play her. So, he wanted the rules up front. Once they were met then they could move forward in his mind. He asks again. She says “Only players. Only sex. And most importantly, only one night.” She got cocky and asked, “Do you want to play?” Marcus says, “I’m thinking about it.”
Game on. See how these two use the rules to meet and beat their own rules. Or was it torture that they like really the pain was better than the pleasure? You’ll have to decide when you read and see for yourself. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Abby and Marcus will burn up the pages of Moment of Weakness, and perhaps each other as well. Both are highly sexual and highly competitive personalities. One by nature, the other created out of heartache.
Abby has been recreated out of the ashes of her relationship with a scumbag of an ex, as well as a totally dysfunctional family who believed that not telling her that her ex was having sex with her sister, quite often in fact – and neither her sister nor her mother thought she should know. Some events in our lives change us completely, this was such an event for Abby. She closed herself off from her family and took off on her own to make her own destiny… that didn’t stop Nicky from popping up now and then.. sisters, sometimes they simply never learn from their actions.
Marcus is a self-made man. His determination, drive and stubbornness has taken him to the top. And if his competitive nature also played a part in that rise it was an extra incentive to make it on his own terms. He’d watched Abby play out her planned temporary fling with a co-worker, and knew the truth behind that particular idiot’s actions. When the moment was right, he moved in on Abby for his own enjoyment. She had rules and he had rules. He would take her one time sex and give her and himself the best, most mind-blowing experience he was capable of… then he would set about making Abby his on his terms.
Moment of Weakness is an intense, sensual and sexual relationship between two equally stubborn and competitive people. I wanted to strangle Abby’s family on more than one occasion. And Marcus needed smacked upside the head a few times – but that’s romance, sometimes we simply want to grab characters and shake them up a bit.
I would recommend this story for anyone who loves an intense, detailed and a bit complicated romance that’s full to the edge of the smoldering pages with intense, inventive and heat producing sex. I was engaged in this couple’s story up until the last word and now am looking forward to the next story in the One Moment series.
If you love your romance on the hot and sexy side, then you will enjoy the time spent with Abby and Marcus.
*I received an e-ARC of Moment of Weakness from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Abby and Marcus will burn up the pages of Moment of Weakness, and perhaps each other as well. Both are highly sexual and highly competitive personalities. One by nature, the other created out of heartache.
Abby has been recreated out of the ashes of her relationship with a scumbag of an ex, as well as a totally dysfunctional family who believed that not telling her that her ex was having sex with her sister, quite often in fact – and neither her sister nor her mother thought she should know. Some events in our lives change us completely, this was such an event for Abby. She closed herself off from her family and took off on her own to make her own destiny… that didn’t stop Nicky from popping up now and then.. sisters, sometimes they simply never learn from their actions.
Marcus is a self-made man. His determination, drive and stubbornness has taken him to the top. And if his competitive nature also played a part in that rise it was an extra incentive to make it on his own terms. He’d watched Abby play out her planned temporary fling with a co-worker, and knew the truth behind that particular idiot’s actions. When the moment was right, he moved in on Abby for his own enjoyment. She had rules and he had rules. He would take her one time sex and give her and himself the best, most mind-blowing experience he was capable of… then he would set about making Abby his on his terms.
Moment of Weakness is an intense, sensual and sexual relationship between two equally stubborn and competitive people. I wanted to strangle Abby’s family on more than one occasion. And Marcus needed smacked upside the head a few times – but that’s romance, sometimes we simply want to grab characters and shake them up a bit.
I would recommend this story for anyone who loves an intense, detailed and a bit complicated romance that’s full to the edge of the smoldering pages with intense, inventive and heat producing sex. I was engaged in this couple’s story up until the last word and now am looking forward to the next story in the One Moment series.
If you love your romance on the hot and sexy side, then you will enjoy the time spent with Abby and Marcus.
*I received an e-ARC of Moment of Weakness from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
October 13, 2015
Abby's ex was a liar and cheater. What's worse is that he cheated on her with her very own sister! And what can top that? Everyone knew before she did-even her own mother! Because of that, Abby now lives by a strict set of rules. Top one being no man gets more than one night with her. No feelings to get hurt. No vulnerabilities. Protect your heart at all costs.
After a meticulously planned rendezvous falls through, Abby is presented with plan B. Plan B's name is Marcus and he spells danger for Abby. Up to now, she's kept her distance from him because she feels things when she's around him. But wouldn't it be fun she reasons with herself. And it's only for one night...
Marcus accepts the rules Abby lays out and after three hours of mind-altering sex, both are forever changed. But neither wants to concede to the other. Marcus decides he's got to up the stakes if he's going to come out on top-literally! He starts by hiring Abby and her firm for a month-long project. When Abby finds she will be working side by side with Marcus for the next month, she's leery. She knows if she grants Marcus another night, not only will he win, but he could very well be her complete undoing.
This was a very hot read! Marcus and Abby were setting the sheets on fire-or in this case the boardroom table! I could feel Abby torn by Marcus and how he makes her feel. She could see herself getting close quick. She doesn't want to be hurt again so she is bound and determined to keep him at a distance. Marcus is just as affected by her and I love how he plots to make her change her mind. The back and forth was amusing! Abby feels betrayed by her ex but even more by her family. You would think she could get over it, but for every step she makes forward, her sister pops up and pushes her back two. No one wants to feel vulnerable so she shores up the walls around her heart.
Moment of Weakness is the first book I have read by Toni J. Strawn and I am eager to read more! She has a fresh way of writing that makes everything feel real and totally acceptable. I loved how we got points of view from both characters. You need to pick this one up! You've just found your next new author!
4 stars/4 flames
This book was given to me for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinions and in no way was I compensated.
After a meticulously planned rendezvous falls through, Abby is presented with plan B. Plan B's name is Marcus and he spells danger for Abby. Up to now, she's kept her distance from him because she feels things when she's around him. But wouldn't it be fun she reasons with herself. And it's only for one night...
Marcus accepts the rules Abby lays out and after three hours of mind-altering sex, both are forever changed. But neither wants to concede to the other. Marcus decides he's got to up the stakes if he's going to come out on top-literally! He starts by hiring Abby and her firm for a month-long project. When Abby finds she will be working side by side with Marcus for the next month, she's leery. She knows if she grants Marcus another night, not only will he win, but he could very well be her complete undoing.
This was a very hot read! Marcus and Abby were setting the sheets on fire-or in this case the boardroom table! I could feel Abby torn by Marcus and how he makes her feel. She could see herself getting close quick. She doesn't want to be hurt again so she is bound and determined to keep him at a distance. Marcus is just as affected by her and I love how he plots to make her change her mind. The back and forth was amusing! Abby feels betrayed by her ex but even more by her family. You would think she could get over it, but for every step she makes forward, her sister pops up and pushes her back two. No one wants to feel vulnerable so she shores up the walls around her heart.
Moment of Weakness is the first book I have read by Toni J. Strawn and I am eager to read more! She has a fresh way of writing that makes everything feel real and totally acceptable. I loved how we got points of view from both characters. You need to pick this one up! You've just found your next new author!
4 stars/4 flames
This book was given to me for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinions and in no way was I compensated.
September 25, 2015
Firstly for a debut author this is a great read. The characters are easy to engage with and feel 'real'. To the point you want to bang their heads together to get them to see the light lol.
Abby is one messed up girl after her Ex and Sister did the dirty on her, I wished I 'felt' a bit more of the family involvement in the betrayal too as the secondary vein, but Nicky crops up a few times (the sister) and thus keeps the momentum of the betrayal running through.
Marcus is a great Hero, he's hot for sure, a man who knows what he wants, he's written very well. I could definitely go a round or two with him ☺
Their story flows nicely, sometimes if I am brutally honest the characters get a little excessive on procrastinating and their ruminations side of things. But all in all this books reads very well, flows and delivers a romance read that is very enjoyable.
This being my first read of Toni's work I would definitely say it won't be my last. She has good depth with her writing, doesn't waffle,and writes a good visual read.
On the hot scale, I've read far hotter, but also read far tamer. Heat factor for me middles out around 3 out 5. This is not at all a bad thing and for the characters and story it fits them perfectly well without turning it seedy and OTT.
I received a copy of Moment Of Weakness in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and 100% honest and is definitely worth it's four stars.
Abby is one messed up girl after her Ex and Sister did the dirty on her, I wished I 'felt' a bit more of the family involvement in the betrayal too as the secondary vein, but Nicky crops up a few times (the sister) and thus keeps the momentum of the betrayal running through.
Marcus is a great Hero, he's hot for sure, a man who knows what he wants, he's written very well. I could definitely go a round or two with him ☺
Their story flows nicely, sometimes if I am brutally honest the characters get a little excessive on procrastinating and their ruminations side of things. But all in all this books reads very well, flows and delivers a romance read that is very enjoyable.
This being my first read of Toni's work I would definitely say it won't be my last. She has good depth with her writing, doesn't waffle,and writes a good visual read.
On the hot scale, I've read far hotter, but also read far tamer. Heat factor for me middles out around 3 out 5. This is not at all a bad thing and for the characters and story it fits them perfectly well without turning it seedy and OTT.
I received a copy of Moment Of Weakness in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and 100% honest and is definitely worth it's four stars.
October 22, 2015
Super sexy read from a fresh new voice.
Moment of Weakness is the first book from New Zealand Author, Toni J.Strawn and ids the for book in the One Moment series.
From page one the competition between the feisty heroine, Abby and the driven alpha, Marcus scorches the pages. Their business association throws them together and the game begins with just one night. But somewhere along the line, Marcus is determined to break Abby's winning streak.
Abby has been burned before and Marcus is a self made man, used to getting what he wants and this time it's Abby.
If you enjoy your love stories scorching hot, with kick-ass heroines and sexy billionaire heroes, this is the read for you.
I would love to read a prequel of Stacey's story :)
Moment of Weakness is the first book from New Zealand Author, Toni J.Strawn and ids the for book in the One Moment series.
From page one the competition between the feisty heroine, Abby and the driven alpha, Marcus scorches the pages. Their business association throws them together and the game begins with just one night. But somewhere along the line, Marcus is determined to break Abby's winning streak.
Abby has been burned before and Marcus is a self made man, used to getting what he wants and this time it's Abby.
If you enjoy your love stories scorching hot, with kick-ass heroines and sexy billionaire heroes, this is the read for you.
I would love to read a prequel of Stacey's story :)
June 17, 2017
I felt like this was all sex and no romance. They never really get to know one another. The hero came across too cold for me as well.
November 17, 2017
Growing from heartbreak
Abby was beyond betrayed by people she should have been able to trust the most...her family. Because of the hurt she has built a wall up around her heart. Marcus always wins and always gets what he wants. They meet and the games begin. She tells him one night only, that is just a challenge for Marcus and he pushes to get what he wants. Will he do it? You'll have to read it to find out.
Abby was beyond betrayed by people she should have been able to trust the most...her family. Because of the hurt she has built a wall up around her heart. Marcus always wins and always gets what he wants. They meet and the games begin. She tells him one night only, that is just a challenge for Marcus and he pushes to get what he wants. Will he do it? You'll have to read it to find out.
February 4, 2018
This is a great steamy read with humor!
I loved the theme of this book it's not your typical romantic novel. I always like realistic novels that has loveable main characters. Marcus & Abby had a good battle throughout the story but I loved how Abby allowed herself to be loved like should've been from the get-go. What started out as a game turned to love.
I loved the theme of this book it's not your typical romantic novel. I always like realistic novels that has loveable main characters. Marcus & Abby had a good battle throughout the story but I loved how Abby allowed herself to be loved like should've been from the get-go. What started out as a game turned to love.
September 9, 2017
Intense!!
Wow, this story had an alpha male who is challenged by an alpha female, put them together and they are explosive!! Both playing games in their lives because they had been hurt in the past. Such struggle for them to finally find common ground or both would lose.
Wow, this story had an alpha male who is challenged by an alpha female, put them together and they are explosive!! Both playing games in their lives because they had been hurt in the past. Such struggle for them to finally find common ground or both would lose.
October 28, 2017
Great
Abby has an ex who is a cheater. Him and her sister hurt her by having a fling.
Marcus is Hot.They try to out smart each other to win their "game".
Then their hearts get in the way.
In the meanwhile they have amazing sex.
Abby has an ex who is a cheater. Him and her sister hurt her by having a fling.
Marcus is Hot.They try to out smart each other to win their "game".
Then their hearts get in the way.
In the meanwhile they have amazing sex.
February 4, 2018
this book did not rock my boat, it was ok but that is all.
April 8, 2019
Game on
I enjoyed the game and the two players. Nice quick sexy weekend read. Would read another book by this author.
I enjoyed the game and the two players. Nice quick sexy weekend read. Would read another book by this author.
November 12, 2015
Alpha male meets Alpha female in a game of sexual wills. Shenanigans ensue, but only one can come out on top.
When consultants Abby Harkness and Marcus Brookhein meet, the sparks they generate could light up a small country. But Abby recognizes a fellow predator when she meets one, and she's not interested in someone else calling the shots…she won't give any man the power to hurt her ever again. When her job is done, she's frustrated to learn the guy she did pick for some hot and satiating sex is a real prick, but Marcus is there to make sure he's her plan B. The rules? One night only, hot and hard, and with fellow players only. And he's only too happy to play.
But in his morning-after clarity, Marcus realizes that Abby got under his skin, and in a totally genius move he decides to hire her to consult on his own set of companies to give him a chance to get to know her. Abby doesn't play the sleeping with the boss game though, so Marcus will have to navigate his way around the clearly skittish yet sexual wildcat he knows is underneath those boner-inducing skirts. Can Marcus convince Abby to loosen her all important rules and let him in once he realizes he's playing for keeps?
MOMENT OF WEAKNESS is the first book in the One Moment Series, and I'm still unsure as to exactly how much I liked it. It started off good, with a wildly erotic interlude between Marcus and Abby in a hotel boardroom, natch. Abby hides behind her rules of the game, not expecting to play against someone else so used to winning. She's certain the game is continuing when he hires her on, but at some point he stops playing and wants her for real, yet has no clue how to a) tell her, b) show her or c) stop actually playing. He stumbles around trying to be the one on top even after proclaiming to himself he was no longer playing, just making Abby that much more certain that he'll cut her loose once he wins.
The whole "game" thing got old pretty quick, and despite how sexy the book was, after awhile it felt like the same scene redone over and over. I was surprised that the book checked in at under 150 pages, it felt much longer as their game of sexual wills lasted far longer than any real "getting to know you" conversation did. Granted, their chemistry was insane and the sex scenes were some of the most erotic straight up vanilla MF lovin' I've read. As this is Ms. Strawn's debut novel, I'm inclined to continue on as her writing has the potential to be really fantastic as she hones her craft.
Bottom Line: Seriously steamy read with so so characters. Hoping for more from book 2. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
When consultants Abby Harkness and Marcus Brookhein meet, the sparks they generate could light up a small country. But Abby recognizes a fellow predator when she meets one, and she's not interested in someone else calling the shots…she won't give any man the power to hurt her ever again. When her job is done, she's frustrated to learn the guy she did pick for some hot and satiating sex is a real prick, but Marcus is there to make sure he's her plan B. The rules? One night only, hot and hard, and with fellow players only. And he's only too happy to play.
But in his morning-after clarity, Marcus realizes that Abby got under his skin, and in a totally genius move he decides to hire her to consult on his own set of companies to give him a chance to get to know her. Abby doesn't play the sleeping with the boss game though, so Marcus will have to navigate his way around the clearly skittish yet sexual wildcat he knows is underneath those boner-inducing skirts. Can Marcus convince Abby to loosen her all important rules and let him in once he realizes he's playing for keeps?
MOMENT OF WEAKNESS is the first book in the One Moment Series, and I'm still unsure as to exactly how much I liked it. It started off good, with a wildly erotic interlude between Marcus and Abby in a hotel boardroom, natch. Abby hides behind her rules of the game, not expecting to play against someone else so used to winning. She's certain the game is continuing when he hires her on, but at some point he stops playing and wants her for real, yet has no clue how to a) tell her, b) show her or c) stop actually playing. He stumbles around trying to be the one on top even after proclaiming to himself he was no longer playing, just making Abby that much more certain that he'll cut her loose once he wins.
The whole "game" thing got old pretty quick, and despite how sexy the book was, after awhile it felt like the same scene redone over and over. I was surprised that the book checked in at under 150 pages, it felt much longer as their game of sexual wills lasted far longer than any real "getting to know you" conversation did. Granted, their chemistry was insane and the sex scenes were some of the most erotic straight up vanilla MF lovin' I've read. As this is Ms. Strawn's debut novel, I'm inclined to continue on as her writing has the potential to be really fantastic as she hones her craft.
Bottom Line: Seriously steamy read with so so characters. Hoping for more from book 2. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
November 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this book by new author Toni Strawn. It is extremely well-written, well-thought out and the pacing is excellent. The characters were strong, consistent and likeable for all that they were competitive and complicated. And it was hot. Very, uber-sexy hot. Abby and Marcus spend a lot of time doing sexy things to each other and when they’re not actually doing sexy things they’re thinking about doing sexy things. But it’s not just hotness and spice in Moment of Weakness, we see lots of emotion, the vulnerability of both characters and the intensity of the relationship that develops between them.
This is a great read and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
This is a great read and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
December 4, 2015
Hot! Hot! Hot!
A battle of lust and control – who will win?
Marcus and Abby are torn between their feelings for each other and their need to win – no matter what the cost to their hearts.
The more Abby tries to numb her feelings for Marcus the deeper she falls into despair – she wants him – his body AND his heart – but past pain is preventing her from truly giving herself to him completely.
A battle of lust and control – who will win?
Marcus and Abby are torn between their feelings for each other and their need to win – no matter what the cost to their hearts.
The more Abby tries to numb her feelings for Marcus the deeper she falls into despair – she wants him – his body AND his heart – but past pain is preventing her from truly giving herself to him completely.
October 6, 2022
What a fun, and somewhat raunchy read.
I loved the debut novel and the cleverly crafted scenes between hero and heroine.
Great characters, great plot, great fun.
Having finished it in just two days, I already have the second ready to read and have reserved my copy of book three of the series.
I loved the debut novel and the cleverly crafted scenes between hero and heroine.
Great characters, great plot, great fun.
Having finished it in just two days, I already have the second ready to read and have reserved my copy of book three of the series.
June 4, 2016
Abby didn't do relationships, her cheating fiancee and her sister made sure of that. Now she is on a 'one night stand' relationship. No more than that. That is until she meets Marcus. He wants more. But can he break down her defenses so that she can love. This is a steamy romance. Toni J Strawn takes the reader to a different pic, the scorned woman. Differently done.
December 26, 2015
This book was recommended to me as a hot, summer holiday read...and it was!
Now I'm waiting for the next ones. Well written.. I like Strawn's style.
Now I'm waiting for the next ones. Well written.. I like Strawn's style.
October 9, 2015
3.5 Stars. Review at http://wp.me/p2F7IH-aHt
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