The last thing I expected to find in my dossier was sexy stockings, a plane voucher to London and an invitation to dance at a gentleman's club. I'm a quiet museum curator for God's sake. No way, no how am I going to slide down a pole for a bunch of over privileged, narcissistic men—until I see Sean Fraser, my childhood crush, enter the establishment. Since I'm no longer that overweight teen with braces and mousey hair, there is no way he'll recognize me. Hmmm… Maybe I'll give him a fake name—and a private dance. That ought to make him finally notice me, right? What the hell is Kennedy Lane doing sliding down a pole in a private Gentlemen's club? I'm not sure, and while I know she's hands off, I want her. I've always wanted her. She might have been too young for me back in the day. Now, not so much. Hands off leads to hands on after a private dance, and while Kennedy spends the weekend pretending to be someone she isn't, I know full well who she is. And I'm not quite ready to let her hang up her stockings when the show is over.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn lives in beautiful Nova Scotia with her husband, who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found Skyping with her son living in Seattle (could he have moved any farther away?) shopping with her daughter in the city, watching a big action flick with her husband, or hanging out and laughing with friends.
House Rules is a short, hot as heck story by Cathryn Fox.
As far back as she can remember, Kennedy Lane has had a crush on the older brother of her best friend, Olivia, Sean Fraser. He was three years older than she and Olivia and she was awkward and shy and most definitely not cool enough for the likes of Sean. She and Olivia were just the annoying little kids to him. But when she was in her teens, with her heart bursting, she gave Sean a candy heart that said, Be Mine, only to have him disregard it and break her heart.
Now, Kennedy is an adult, a curator for the Chicago Museum. Two years ago, her friends and she drew names out of a hat and whoever drew her name had to fulfill a fantasy weekend for her. When she was presented with her dossier, her epic adventure, she was given a plane ticket to London, reservations at the beautiful Hotel Royal, and instructions that she is to dance a pole dance at the Carleton House, London’s most exclusive gentleman’s club. There is no way she could follow through with the dance. That is until she saw Sean at the hotel. What in the world was he doing here? And she followed him secretly to that same gentleman’s club. Maybe she could do the pole dance. Sean would never recognize her, it’s been years since they have seen each other.
Sean couldn’t believe it when he saw Kennedy Lane at the hotel. Then he saw her again, on stage, dancing under an assumed identity! Sean started seeing Kennedy as more than just a kid when she was sixteen and he was nineteen. But those were three very important years at that stage of their lives. She was off limits. Well, she’s all grown up now, and it’s time to get her out of his system. Or is that even possible?
“In only a few short hours I’ve turned from a straight-laced museum curator to a kinky dancer with fetishes. Did the bartender put something in my drink?”
Let me tell you, these two are scorching together. Kennedy is convinced that Sean doesn’t know who she is but Sean is just waiting, trying to figure out why Kennedy is playing this game. Feelings are coming to the surface quickly, feelings left to simmer all these years. But both are convinced the other only wants this one weekend. Neither dares to hope.
I loved this story. I felt like I completely was able to connect with both the Hero and the Heroine even in these short pages. In the past I read this author’s Hands On series and I fell in love with it. This most definitely is an author that I know ahead of time that I will enjoy. So, ladies, turn those ceiling fans on high, and settle in. This is one you will be sure to enjoy.
Short and sweet - Straight up erotica. Hot as heck with a decent story too! LOL
This is one fun and spicy hot read. Perfect for a quick hour or two of light reading - heavy on the spice. Great story without a lot of fluff. Just get down and dirty. I love it! Cathryn Fox writes great steam!
This book was downright filthy. I loved every moment of it especially the hero's super dirty mouth. If you're in the mood for a quick naughty read I can't recommend this book enough.
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for a honest review
My biggest regret after i read this book by Cathryn Fox was not having had read the first book in the series before hand. Although it was a short read, one that took me a couple of hours to finish, it didn't feel like one. It was very well developed and the story one that left me wanting more.
4 breath taking dreams
Having had spent her teenage years crushing on Fraser, Kennedy hopes that he won't recognize her as she slides up and down the stripper pole in a Gentleman's Club. With a fake name, she flirts and dances like nobody's business, leaving her day job as a museum curator far, far behind for the time being. Only, Fraser remembers her and isn't about to let her leave without sampling and taking some of what he wants. I wanted more of this series and this author. I was hooked and enjoyed how the characters came alive and i could see the scenes unfold in front of my eyes. I can only hope that i'll get to follow this series until the very end since this was one that truly captivated me.
Oh. My. God. This book was smoking hot. I'm literally still sitting here fanning my face and I finished it 20 minutes ago. It was short, sexy, and to the point, and I appreciate that in an erotic romance. It's apparently the 2nd book in a series, but it's the first one I've read, and I didn't feel I was missing anything. Though, book 1, Private Reserve, is definitely on my TBR list now!
Kennedy Lane made a pact with her friends. They each drew a name, and each of them will get an adventure to go on for their birthday, completely planned out and paid for by the person who drew their name. Kennedy is now in London, with instructions to dance at an upscale gentleman's club. She has no plans to actually go through with the dancing part of her adventure, until she sees him, Sean Fraser, her childhood/teenage crush. He is her best friend's older brother, and she's always wanted him. She's changed a lot since high school, and doesn't believe he'll recognize her. She thinks she can dance for him, and maybe even have some epic sex for the weekend, and he'll never know who she really is. Best laid plans, right?
Sean Fraser has wanted Kennedy Lane since she was 16 years old. But, he was 19, and knew he had to keep his hands off of her. So, he treated her like his annoying little sister, and never let her know how he felt. Now they live in different cities, him still in NYC, and her in Chicago. When he thinks he sees her at the same hotel in London, and then sees her onstage at the club, he knows for sure it's her, but she's acting like she doesn't know him. What kind of game is she playing? He wants to find out, so he plans to go along for the ride, and not let on for a while that he knows her secret.
This book was so hot. Sean and Kennedy had chemistry like WHOA. Their interactions were straight up steamy. I could feel their connection through the page. I liked the idea of a "secret rendezvous", even though it wasn't actually a real secret to either of them. Also, as much as I like erotica, I much prefer erotic romance, a label for which this story definitely qualifies. I still need my HEA, once the super hot sex has concluded! For what this book was supposed to be, a short, super steamy romp, it was utterly perfect.
I'm highly anticipating going back and reading book 1 of this series, and I look forward to what's next from this author!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
If anyone can write hot smoking sex it's Cathryn and she's done it once again with this book. Holy hell this book. It may be short but it packs a huge punch. Kennedy is on her way to London for a wild weekend because of a pact she's made several years ago with her girlfriends. The girls drew names and your anonymous gift giver sets you up with a weekend of delight. Kennedy is going to London and due to time constraints lets her sister pack for her and her scant wardrobe looks like she's ready to hook her way through the city. The reason she's there is she's going to dance at the Gentleman's Club (and hopefully have a wild weekend) which is so not like Kennedy who has a tough time letting it all go. Entering her hotel she sees a face from her past. Her best friends sisters brother who she crushed on in a big way. Sean is there on business. She's so stunned to see him, she follows him out the door and sees him standing in front of the club. So we have Kennedy aka Kitten who is dressed for success and takes pole dancing lessons at home, she takes her turn at dancing and is a huge hit. Sean sets his sights on her and doesn't let go. Nor does he let on he knows who she is. Keeps calling her Kitten. He annoyed me in several ways, Sean was all about Sean and not at all the boy the would be someone Kennedy would be crushing on. Sean needs Kennedy to bring to a dinner with a client as the man has family values and Kennedy of course does her job there. He introduces her as Kitten. Yup. Chuckle. The man is a fool. As I said earlier this book overflows with some seriously hot sex, and I'm not sure when these two come up for air. But I will tell you that Kennedy does a Houdini and it was the best. Man, I loved to watch that man squirm. Sometimes bad boys are just bad boys. Sometimes they need that little genital squeeze to remind them who rocks the cradle. Read the book! You'll be glad you did.
**arc from Entangled in exchange for a fair review**
If you're looking for a quick, fairly hot, read then HOUSE RULES may be one you want to pick up.
Kennedy has a pact with her friends to that sends each of them off on their 25th birthday on an adventure that will change their lives. When Kennedy ends up in London and runs into her best friend's older brother, Sean, and wonders if she'll be able to finally make her childhood crush a reality.
I'm sure I would have loved this story more if it weren't crammed into 90 pages. A lot happens with this couple and I found myself craving more of their story. Not having their romance (or Kennedy keeping her identity a secret) tie up so quickly. I knew this couple was going to have chemistry, but I wanted more backstory and more of their relationship developing.
If you love novellas or short stories, this is definitely one that will keep you entertained. Sean is alpha male goodness and novella readers will definitely want to check out.
Two years ago, Kennedy and her friends put their names in a hat, each friend having to give the person they picked a trip where their most explicit fantasies could be explored. That’s how quiet museum curator Kennedy Lane finds herself in London with a bag of lingerie and an invitation to dance at a gentleman’s club. She has no intention of doing so, until she sees her best friend’s brother, Sean, going into the club. As a teenager, Kennedy was in love with Sean, but not only did he not feel the same back then, he doesn’t even recognize her as an adult. If she’s going to brave dancing on a pole in public, then Kennedy figures she might as well go all-in. She’ll give Sean a fake name and seize the opportunity she’s always wanted: a no-holds-barred erotic adventure with the man of her dreams. Little does she know that Sean knows exactly who she is, and there’s no way he’ll let things end after just one night.
House Rules is deliciously dirty. I’m a sucker for a good “heroine is in love with her best friend’s brother” story, and Cathryn Fox makes this familiar trope feel fresh with her fun and naughty spin on it.
Kennedy is a good girl taking a walk on the wild side. I loved watching her embrace her sexuality and go for what she wants with Sean. She was in love with him as a teenager, and now that he’s finally noticed her, those old feelings are starting to resurface. I was rooting for Kennedy to get her dream guy, because Sean was definitely worth swooning over. Sean is dominant, dirty, and hot as hell. But what really captured my interest was how he was pretty gone over Kennedy. The three year age gap when they were teenagers meant he had to pretend not to see her as anything more than his sister’s friend. But as an adult, Sean makes up for lost time. He and Kennedy are scorching in the bedroom, but there are also some incredibly sweet moments in between all the raunchy ones that balance out the story.
House Rules is the second Dossier story, but it can be easily read as a standalone. The premise of the series is fun and I liked Kennedy and Sean so much that I’m definitely looking forward to more Dossier tales. If you’re looking for fast-paced, well-written erotic romance, House Rules is definitely a good bet.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
House Rules takes the whole “the quiet ones are the naughtiest” to a whole new level.
Kennedy and her friends are playing a version of Secret Santa, agreeing to do whatever their friends set them up to do. Her surprise? Forget about her quiet museum girl persona and spend a weekend in London dancing in a gentleman’s club… And since it’s a debauchery trip she might as well get some hot kinky sex, right? So when she sees her best friend’s older brother and current former crush Sean, she hopes she can add him into the equation.
Sean can’t believe his eyes when he sees Kennedy pole dancing. Even if he hadn’t had the hots for her when they were young, he’d certainly want her after witnessing this. Well, now that she’s all grown up there’s nothing keeping him from going after her, not even Kennedy pretending to be someone else.
As usual with Ms. Fox’s stories, House Rules is one really hot, kinky read. Sean and Kennedy’s chemistry is wild, and they get it on like no other. Their connection was always there, so getting a little back story made it work even better.
Kennedy was sweet, shy but with a kinky side just waiting to be explored. Sean was one sexy, dirty talker, with some serious dominant vibes and a little bondage and discipline fetish. Nothing is OTT, and everything is off the charts hot.
I felt the focus of the story was their bedroom chemistry, but the ending didn’t really click for me (which I found completely surprising as I’m all about insta-foreverness stories).
If you’re in the mood for some filthy sex, great chemistry and a fun, quick read, House Rules is definitely one to keep in mind.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
A group of girlfriends picked a name of another out of a hat, and on the girl’s they picked 25th birthday, they have to plan the naughtiest, sexiest, most amazing weekend for them. And all the recipient receives on their 25th birthday is a secret dossier.
For this friend, we get the added benefit of the best friend’s older brother trope because she’s been set up with her childhood turn pure unadulterated adult man crush. On purpose? Will these two have a shot at some hot, sexy love now that the timing is right?
Short, steamy, and definitely kinky. Low angst and the cutest, corniest HFN/HEA.
Sean is one confident man, “no, I’m going to pay you a dollar amount to attend a function with me. The effing is just a benefit of the pretend engagement. And forget about house rules. Only my rules apply when you’re in my bed.” This was a quick dirty read and I loved it.
House Rules is scorching hot! Kennedy is off to London to dance at the Carleton House, one of London's most exclusive gentlemen's clubs. All because 2 years ago on New Year's Eve, she and her friends came up with the crazy idea that when each turned 25, they'd allow one of them (to be kept a secret) to send her off to celebrate her birthday in epic style, to have "an epic adventure--where the words "epic" and "sex" can be interchanged." What Kennedy didn't expect was to bump into her best friend, Olivia's, older brother, Sean, at her hotel when she was checking in. She's freaking out because she's always been in love with the man, and he's gotten even hotter since she last saw him. But, she figures he doesn't recognize her. She looks different than she did as a gawky teen, the teen he rejected when she mustered up all her courage and offered herself up to him with a sweet "Be Mine" candy heart.
Sean does recognize her, though, and the attraction he's always had for her has gotten even stronger. When he sees her at the Carleton House, he's blown away. And the encounter between the two at Carleton House is off the charts hot, even if they don't even physically touch each other.
When they fall into a seriously sexy relationship, one where Sean, like the dominant, dirty, bossy man he is, takes charge of her, her pleasure and her body, she's ecstatic, but she knows it's only temporary. After all, she knows he doesn't even recognize her, and she's set to head back to Chicago soon, while he lives here in London. She underestimates Sean, though, and how far he'll go to not only keep her in his bed, but to play the game she thinks she's controlling. Not only does he know who she is, but he's been in love with her as long as she's been in love with him. But, only he gets to make the rules for their dirty little game. "You're in my territory now, Kitten. This is my playground, and you're my toy. I get to play with you any way I want. Only my rules apply here."
Kennedy is all to happy to fall into line, because she knows epic sex is guaranteed, but she needs to guard her heart, so it doesn't get broken the way it got broken when he rejected her all those years ago. So she plays his sexy game, lets him be so bossy that he gets to make up dirty rules where he ties her up, spanks her a little, uses naughty toys on her and makes her body sing. But, her heart of course, can't help but go and fall even harder, so she does the smart (safe) thing, and bails after their tryst in London, and leaves Sean high and dry. But, will he chase after her? Will he allow his sister to help him get back the woman he's always loved? Read and find out, you won't regret it because House Rules is steamy, well written and Kennedy and Sean are a smokin' hot couple who are well drawn and realistic. If best friend's older brother or second chance romances are your things, then House Rules should be on your TBR list!
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Holy Hotness!!!! I thought it would be fun. I thought it would be cute. I never expected to need to buy batteries...okay, that's a lie. I didn't go out and buy batteries. I have plenty here at home. (No- those have chargers...) I digress.
House Rules is the second of the Dossier series. I missed the first but will definitely be amending that oversight. Hot damn! This novella is filthy fun that should not be read in a public setting...unless that's your thing. Steamy hot fantasy sex with the guy you've been in love with since a teen...Sign me up.
I may have stumbled upon this fun little novella but Cathryn Fox knocked me off me feet with the burning hot lust, naughty naked time, and absolutely perfect ending.
I sincerely hope that there are like 50 girls in this group of friends because I don't ever want this series to stop! Confused, it's ok. Two years ago, this group of girls decided to do an epic 25th birthday adventure. They dropped names in a hat and selected the friend whose adventure they are sponsoring. House Rules is Kennedy's turn. (Where were these girls when I turned 25...just saying! Maybe not mention to the hubs...)
All ridiculousness aside, this novella is HOT and has more lust than anyone person should be left with. Grab your partner, partners, toys, whatever because you will need an outlet for this build up!
(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
Oh! This packed a punch! So much heat in such a short book, but it didn't feel gratuitous or superfluous at all! We meet Kennedy, 25 year old museum worker who lives in Chicago, as she's about to embark on a sexy journey to live on the wild side for a bit, thanks to a pact she made with her friends. Her mission is to embrace her sexy side and dance at a fancy gentlemen's club in London. She gets the shock of a lifetime when she runs into her childhood crush (and best friend's brother) Sean who just happens to be staying in the same hotel she is. Coincidence? I think not!
While the book was deliciously short, it was just the palate cleanser I needed after reading a dud, AFTER reading a 5 star read that left me with a book hangover! It was fun and oh so sexy, but heartfelt and sweet too. Between Sean's sexy as hell dirty talk and alpha demeanor and how relatable Kennedy was as a character - House Rules is just the perfect amuse bouche of a read! I give it 4 out of 5 stars but only because I sort of wish it was longer so I could have MORE!
Kennedy has always been in love with Sean, older brother to her best friend Olivia. She was a nerdy, annoying girl that Sean never would think, was cool. When she was a teenager, Sean took notice, but she was off limits. Being three years older, that's a big difference when you are a teen. She even approached him once with a Valentine's heart that read Be Mine. Which he quickly squashed by laughing in her face.
Fast forward to now, Kennedy is a curator for a museum. One New Year's Eve, her friends all drew names and had to fulfill a fantasy for that girl on her twenty-fifth birthday. When she was sent her dossier, her adventure was a ticket to London to dance on a pole at the revered gentleman's club, the Carleton House. She's sure she can not fulfill this request by dancing, until she spots Sean at the club in London. What is he doing here?? He'd never recognize her as she's older and lost weight.
Sean is just as surprised when he sees Kennedy at the hotel and then later dancing at the club he does company business at when in London. What is she doing by dancing here? At his club too?? He knows his sister is involved but doesn't know what the scoop is. Why does Kennedy not want him to know who she is? Well, it's time to play her little game and get her wiped from his brain once and for all!
I loved this short story by Catheryn Fox!! What a scrumptious story to dive into! Kennedy is convinced Sean doesn't know who she is, but he's trying to figure out why she doesn't just tell him. Their feelings clamor to the surface. Both believe this tryst is only for the weekend, then it's back to reality, but secretly they wish the other wanted more. I totally fell for these two together! It was very believable and I wanted them to just finally take what they both wanted-and it was each other! I loved House Rules from start to finish! Once you start, you won't want to put it down. I highly recommend grabbing this hot little book and settling in by the pool! Just the place to read it as you will be hot after reading this scorch your sheets story! Go ahead! Enjoy!
5 Stars/4 Flames
This book was gifted to me for an honest review. The review and ratings are solely my opinions.
'House Rules' by Cathryn Fox is book Two in the "Dossier" series. This is a novella type story and boy does it come off as short, hot, sexy and sweet. Kennedy and her friends made a pack of sorts where they each would pick a 'out of your comfort zone' with a chance to get laid type scenario and this book holds the story of Kennedy Lane and Sean Fraser. Kennedy’s turn puts her in a Gentleman's club which she about backs out on until her school girl crush comes in. Kennedy thinks he will never know who she is so she thinks to act on her feelings for him and pretend to be someone else. But Sean knows who she is and plays along with her until he can get the chance to show Lil Ms Kennedy his true moves...So how does this end? Will Kennedy get her man finally or will this blow up in her face? This was one hot and sexy novella which gives a great story for the short amount of pages. I cannot wait for book 3 in this erotic series.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ***** "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Who doesn't love the idea of doing something so totally out of character from how you normally conduct yourself that you can hardly believe you have the nerve to follow through with it? And what if it involves someone you've had a crush on since childhood?
We've all probably had thoughts about that possibility of doing something a little out of our comfort zone, whether it's trying a new type of food, a new sport, even a daring new haircut maybe? Ok, corny but you get my drift. Well, Kennedy Lane takes this to a whole new level. A quiet museum curator pole dancing at a gentleman's club in London? Right there, you've GOT to read how this is going to play out! And this being author Cathryn Fox? Hang on to your eReader or book because this is going to be an off the charts sexy ride and she doesn't disappoint! The heat between Kennedy and her childhood crush, Sean, is scorching!
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
So freaking hot..I loved it! Sean and Kennedy make a great team, with him being so dominant and with a dirty dirty mouth, and Kennedy being more shy and reserved. Their chemistry is scorching and I loved the game they played ;)
I love these stories where the characters knew each other as kids and it was a hands off kind of deal. Now as adults and a naughty, very steamy fantasy later all bets are off the table.
Even though Kennedy uses a different name and she doesn't think Sean knows who she is, Sean sees past her act. OMG this was a very short story but loaded with heat. This author sure knows how to heat up the pages and your libido.
This book made me so happy!!! I loved Kennedy, she seemed so real. And Sean was a dream. The two of them together, explosive!!! A great premise, story and character development, amazing chemistry and a SWEET HEA. This one had it all. Can't wait for the rest in the series.
This book was hot! It read really fast and I loved the unrequited love/lust. The concept behind it was interesting. I'd like to read the first book in this series and potentially the other ones that follow too!
A sexy best friend's sibling novella, Kennedy has had a crush on her friend Olivia's brother Sean for ages, but thought she'd kept it well hidden - until her friend set her up for a fantasy scenario where Sean just happens to be present. Her pole dancing skills on display, Kennedy gets the chance to dance in a gentleman's club as part of the 'let loose and explore your sexual side' pact she and her friends made to spice up their lives. She just never thought she'd get to dance for Sean, and have him see her as someone other than his friend's sister. In fact, she's sure that Sean doesn't recognize her, having changed so much from the kid she used to be. But Sean is fully aware of who the 'mysterious' woman is and is very keen on exploring the simmering attraction between them. They share several steamy scenes together, and the story ends on a positive note with a happy for now ending, suitable to their short time together. 3.5 stars for this quick sexy read!
Note: A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
How much fun would it be to be sent on an all expense paid trip to fulfill fantasies you didn't know you had? This is the story of how that can play out, if your willing to step out of your comfort zone and grab onto what you really want.
One thing you can guarantee when you pick up a Cathryn Fox story is that it's going to be hot and with House Rules the heat is higher than ever.
Whoa was this a hot read. The unmistakable chemistry between Sean & Kennedy is smoking hot and sizzles on the page. If an uber dirty talking alpha and loads of hot, passionate banging isn't yours up of tea, keep moving.
What would you do if you had the opportunity to live out a fantasy with the guy you've been crushing on forever and who just happens to be your best friends older brother. Could you go through with it or regret it forever?
This is exactly what happens with Kennedy when she crosses path with Sean a long way from home.
These two take the fantasy and each other to new sexual peaks but neither thought it would ever be more than than a way to get the other out of their systems. Only more than super hot sexual connection happens and changes everything.
Settle in for a steamy, quick read that you won't want to put down once you start.
Now this is a Cathryn Fox book! Hot, steamy, sexy, and full of fan yourself bedroom scenes that gets your heart pumping. Very quick read, but still a pretty good story between Sean and Kennedy. Looking forward to the next installment!
This was a quick and steamy novella. That was hard to put down. As the chemistry between Sean and Kennedy was sizzling. Plus Sean is a dirty talking alpha, who loves to take control and boy does he!! Which altogether made for a really entertaining and enjoyable read. And it's one I would happily recommend to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**