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Riled Up

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When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself, a person should take it, right? Especially if the person is a fresh-out-of-grad-school psychologist.

The offer was simple… treat a popular actor for one month of intensive, in-house therapy. The catch? No one can know, which seems easy-peasy to the super-ethical Dr. Vanessa Taylor. She just has to convince the super-sexy, dimpled, chiseled and charming action star Riley Tate to accept her help. And she has to stay upright around him…

… and fight her attraction to him…

… and not freak out in front of him…

… and not lick his abs…

… oh yeah, and not fall for him.

Vanessa should just give up an go home to Texas, unless Riley can convince her to take a chance on something she never thought she would want.

18+ for language and sexual situations

425 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2017

12 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

Robin Leaf

10 books170 followers
Robin Leaf lives in Texas with her husband and four kids (three human and one furry). When she’s not reading romance novel a day, she can be found watching Supernatural (and drooling over both Dean and Sam equally), playing ball with her furry child, or cleaning up dog hair.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/robinleafaut...

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5 stars
22 (44%)
4 stars
19 (38%)
3 stars
4 (8%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
3 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Bindi Boo .
578 reviews129 followers
July 5, 2017
4.5 stars

New author, fantastic debut. This is a heartwarming, sweet read. A romance about finding the right person when you least expect it. Although i'm not a fan of insta-love/attraction, i still enjoyed the relationship the H/h had.

Burned and frustrated from her previous relationships, 26 year old Vanessa Taylor intends to put her education to good use. Contracted by an agent to the stars, she accepts a deal to help treat a Hollywood star who's been spiralling out of control. She meets Riley Tate and feels an instant connection. They get to know each other well but drama later ensues.

Vanessa is my favourite type of heroine. I loved that she is intelligent and sassy. I loved that she was real and had those internal monologues/ doubts which most girls would have had if they'd met a hot & sexy hollywood star. Riley- as hot and sexy as he was, i loved that he remained grounded despite being a star. He has manners, respect and he was searching for someone real to spend his life with. As lovely as their romance was, i was waiting for the other shoe to drop. And it did! Boy am i glad the hero made an effort to fight for what he wanted.

This is the kind of story i love reading. No unwanted drama or useless angst, just a young couple head over heels in love, fighting for each other.

Overall, a definite, definite recommendation.
Profile Image for Mette.
211 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2017
Riled Up is the debut novel from Robin Leaf.

Newly graduated psychologist Vanessa was looking forward to going home to Texas to be with her family after three years in LA, but was offered the job she could not refuse. Help hot actor and long time celebrity crush Riley Tate get his mojo back...
From their first meeting sparks fly and things quickly progress...

I must say, I am really impressed with this first novel from this author. Technically it is very well written and the plot very well executed. Emotionally (in lack of a better word), HOLY MOLY!!!

This story pulled me in almost immediately and I only put it down, when having to get my family off my back, so I could keep going. I was not prepared for a debut author to do this to me, but she did in a BIG way.

The only thing that pulled away from this story and brought it down to a "measly" four star book for me was, the amount of internal monologue. In my opinion you would have still gotten the feel of the heroine's internal battle with less words and it actually brought me out of "the zone" at times.
I do think however, that this is a matter of personal taste, and for some it will propably be one of the strong points in the story and I would definitely recommend my friends to pick up this book!

I loved Vanessa and Riley's story and I will be looking forward to seeing more words from Robin Leaf's hand.
Profile Image for Nadine A.
226 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2018
4.5 "Cookie Dough" Stars!

Riled up is the debut novel by author Robin Leaf.

Vanessa Taylor...sorry, DOCTOR Taylor is a brand spankin' newly graduated psychologist. With school wrapped up, her plans were to head back home to Texas. But you know what they say about making plans...
She is offered quite the job opportunity, one she cannot pass up - help the handsome troubled actor find his way again.
Vanessa is a girl after my own heart. She's feisty, smart and relatable. She's also determined to stay professional and see her obligations through.

Said handsome troubled actor is none other than Riley Tate, famous action movie star.
Riley's had a rough go at matters lately, but doesn't believe he needs any help at all.
I loved Riley sooo much!!! He wasn't your typical entitled celebrity. He's also very intelligent and down-to-earth with such a sweet gentle soul.

Vanessa and Riley had amazing chemistry. Sparks fly and their connection was magnetic.

I really enjoyed this book. It's a perfect fun summer read. It was light-hearted with just the right amount of angst to keep you hooked.
Great debut novel, can't wait to read more from this author. I'd absolutely recommend!
Profile Image for Mary .
823 reviews56 followers
July 12, 2017
A great first novel by Robin Leaf. It had me giggling for the most part at the main characters. There was a klutziness and humor about them that you fell in love with. I found it a quick read but no less satisfying.
Vanessa had a lot of quirks and there was a lot to discover about her. She grew in the story as a character but some of her inner dialogue made me want to scream. Vanessa had to learn to open her self up to the possibilities she had in front of her. Sometimes I felt like she was her own worst enemy.
Riley had secrets of his own and the two of them together was like a match and dynamite. It was fun to watch the fuse burn to explosion. He's not sure what to make of Vanessa, except she gets him riled up in the most frustrating ways possible. 
The secondary characters added to this tale and made it well rounded. It was great to see them step in and help their friends, even when it's with a harsh dose of reality. I would recommend this and cannot wait to see what is next from this author. 
Profile Image for Rebecca.
9 reviews
July 28, 2017
Wow! First book out of the gate smashed

It is easy to fall in love with the characters, and become enthralled with their ups and downs. This is very well written, and I can't wait to see more!
Profile Image for Jacquie.
597 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2017
4.5 Stars!!

Wow!! Riled Up is Robin Leaf's debut novel and it's one that left me thinking "If THIS is her DEBUT I can HARDLY WAIT to see what she comes up with next!!"

Vanessa Taylor, or DOCTOR Vanessa Taylor, has just graduated and received her degree in psychology, gives up the lease on her apartment and is heading back home to Texas when an unusual and unexpected offer has her postponing her trip! All she has to do is help a "celebrity" get over his "depression" and earn a LOT of money to do it! Easy-peasy, right? Little does she know that the celebrity is the one and only Riley Tate...gorgeous, charismatic, insanely popular and panty-melting HOT actor!!

The chemistry is pretty hot between these two from the start, with Vanessa struggling to keep everything on a strictly professional level...and the inevitable happens! But the journey to their HEA is fraught with lies, accidents, misunderstandings and an unethical, smarmy, disgusting agent!

I LOVED this book! I especially loved Riley!! Such a decent, kind, loving man in a VERY nice package! I can certainly see why Vanessa fell under his spell! All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a sexy, romantic romp of a romance!
Profile Image for Madonna Blackburn.
102 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2017
Riled up by Robin Leaf

Riled up is author Robin Leaf's debut novel & from this little baby I see great things happening for her future in the writing world.
Vanessa Taylor is a newly graduated psychologist who decides to take a job treating a 'celebrity' however, it all has to be on the 'down low'.
Enter movie star Riley Tate who is quite reluctant to accept the help that he supposedly needs.
Their path to a HEA is paved with Vanessa's insecurities & anxieties and Riley has to decide whether he is the man that can lead her to the place that will keep not only Vanessa's, but his own heart safe.
In this book Robin gives us a story that is sweet & angsty and with her injection of humour & well written sexy time, this book is easy to read & most enjoyable.
For a first time novel I reckon it's a beauty....so do yourself a favour & download this one straight away....you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Kathryn Hill.
50 reviews
August 2, 2019
** Warning, Might be some Spoilers**

Goodness! Where do I begin on how to review this book? A friend of mine recommend this book to me and said it was a MUST read and let me tell you, she was right!! I am a HUGE Romance novel fan. I am sucker for them just like Emily (Vanessa's Best friend) in this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a romance novel enthusiast like myself. It does encompass everything that you would want out of a romance novel. From the growing love to the descriptive sex snippets! (No spoilers yet, you'll just have to read)

When reading this book, it does give a snippet of what it's like to have an anxiety attack and the characters are like everyday people with real life experiences and insecurities. I really felt like I related to Vanessa, (The main Character) on a very personal level, not only her personality, and lingo, but the way she carried herself and how strong she is. You'll have to read to see what I mean.

I also loved how it was accurate with psychology terminology (I especially liked who she referenced Freud) and it felt like the author was more educated in that sense and actually did her research for this book. It just goes to show how passionate she is about making sure her product (her books) are the best they can be. Kudos to you, Robin Leaf! I can honestly say I'm hooked on her books now by just reading this one. I will be following this author and reading the rest of her works.

BTW, if the author does read my review, you got great taste in music, girl!! (Read the book to see what I mean)
Profile Image for Sarah Kirk.
160 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2020
Riley Tate is so damn dreamy! Who wouldn't want a man like that? Enter Vanessa and one very interesting first meeting. This book will have you from the first chapter. Both characters are so well developed that you feel like you really know them. This imperfect love story with literal bumps and bruises was such a fantastic read that I immediately read the next book Robin wrote.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
December 19, 2018
She saw him like no one ever had, made him laugh and feel, there was no way he was letting her treat him as a patient, but that didn't stop them. As Darby said repeatedly the universe had plans for these two one way or another. With characters who bring out a wide range of emotions it definitely doesn't lack in the story. If you enjoy inner dialogue and introspection then you will enjoy this read as well. This is a debut novel by this author and it's done well. She does a good job showing the issues and baggage that riled these two up but it's more of a story of a budding friendship. While insta-love has it's place these two have a ton to work on to get pass their past and ready for their tomorrow. This hot and spicy read was an emotional roller coaster with back stabbing, no cheating and a whole lot of compromising and inner dialogue. This author has captured my attention and while this is a standalone read I do have the series to make my way thru. I love finding new authors and enjoying them get their mojo. I like her style and look forward to many years of enjoyment as she grows.
Profile Image for Rebel O'Dey.
Author 16 books37 followers
July 28, 2017
Very well written! I highly recommend you fall in love!
764 reviews8 followers
September 16, 2019
First time reading this author, and I LOVED this story! I loved Vanessa from the start, and then when you start really getting to know her you can't help but fall more in love with her. Riley, sigh Riley is amazing! The storyline was easy to follow and immerse yourself in. I can't wait to continue this series.
Profile Image for ToniAnn.
657 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2017
New book+new author= pretty awesome! This book is about finding love when you less expect it, with who you less expect it with. Vanessa is a young doctor who had a rough childhood. Always being told she would never be enough by her stepmom. As she got older, she always felt the same way, especially with the guys she dated. Her insecurities are real life. Riley is the gorgeous actor. But, he has his own troubles. Comes from a great family, but didn't have the best of luck with the people he dated. Riley was letting his own self get in the way of his happiness. When Vanessa is hired to help Riley get through his tough times and figure out what went wrong, and pretend to date him, she never expect to fall in love. Riley was against having Vanessa as his doctor. He didn't need anything or anyone to help him get his life back. But, sometimes, the best things come around when you need them the most.
Profile Image for Carol Ann Doveatt.
537 reviews6 followers
February 12, 2019
Insta Love and so much love

This debut novel by Robin Leaf is charming, well written, sweet, sexy, and addresses some serious issues that many people can relate to. I love Dr.Vanessa Taylor as she is smart, talks to herself, and is so sassy, and sexy. Meeting Riley Tate, the movie star has her feeling insecure and full blown anxious, yet she is so drawn to him that she feels a connection to him from the very start. He, however is smart, sexy, down to earth, charming, and is extremely patient with Vanessa. He knows what he wants and he is not afraid to work hard for it. I love the connection these two have, and their sexual chemistry could light up New York City. Robin's humor and nod to songs and daily activities is delightful. I cannot wait to read more stories by this lovely new author.
Profile Image for Laurie Beemer.
679 reviews28 followers
October 8, 2017
As a debut novel all I have to say is Robin Leaf hit it out of the park. The flow of this book was smooth and the transitions between the characters was fantastic. Follow newly graduated Dr. Vanessa as she is offered the chance off a life time, to work with a movie star Riley Tate. From their first meeting things do not go as planned, mistaken identity leads to hilarity. This book was so engaging and fun to read and some of the scenes were to sexy to describe, shower anyone? The chemistry between Vanessa and Riley is obvious from the beginning but unfortunately there are people and things standing in their way. Will they fight the attraction or will they walk away from each other? Thank you for allowing me to read this and write a honest review.
Profile Image for Elmarie Pieterse.
257 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2017
I really loved Riley he was so sweet and caring and totally different from the usual type of main Characters that we read everyday. Riley is a Movie Star with a few issues and then he meets Vanessa who is send to help him as she is a psychologist.... but then some klutzyness happens and things start to get interesting!!! Vanessa had me pulling out my hair a few times and I wanted to shake her and say girl get it together.... I really enjoyed the storyline between them they made a cute fun couple!!
Profile Image for Mary Mccormack.
1,363 reviews
October 3, 2017
I received a copy for a honest review. Riley is not your typical stuck up, rude, and greedy actor. Dr Taylor is not what you expect out of a physiologist. Through out the book you you find out Vanessa’s reason for becoming a physiologist and how much she is working to heal from past hurts. Riley also learns that not everyone is what they seem and that to some you are just a dollar sign. Can they heal each other? Can she help him out of his depression? Have to read it to find out.
Profile Image for Heather Navarre.
768 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2019
Another great book by Robin.

I loved Vanessa and Riley from the second they met. It was pretty clear too that there was an instant attraction. But of course things don’t always go smooth with love.

Vanessa is a girl after my own heart (mmm cookie dough).

Riley has some amazing words that manage to come out of his mouth, they had me wishing he was at my doorstep!

Vanessa’s friend Emily is a hoot and so is Darby!
Profile Image for Michelle.
392 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2017
Riled Up is Robin Leaf's debut novel, and what a debut!!! I loved this book, kept thinking throughout, can't believe this is her first book, she did such an amazing job!! I loved all the characters, minus one, but he got what he had coming to him in the end. Can't wait to see what she comes out with next!!
Profile Image for Melissa Marx.
47 reviews
October 18, 2017
Holy hell... this book is hot, funny and sweet.
Plus the “bonus chapters” really round everything out!
As a first novel this is grade A perfection!
Profile Image for Jennifer Richey.
1,992 reviews
October 19, 2017
I loved Riley and Vanessa! This book made me laugh so much and it was so many twists and turns and this a new author to me and I can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Brandie Breaux.
112 reviews
November 6, 2017
Great debut novel! I loved the characters and the storyline. This was a great read that had me smiling throughout. I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Renee Mccleary.
200 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2017
After reading the blurb I was excited to read this unfortunately, I was disappointed. It took me 40% of the book to really get into it. I found it a little boring and drawn out. While I loved Riley, I could not connect with Vanessa. I loved when they were together but it only lasts a little bit before more drawn out drama occurs. I wish there would have been more focus on them being together.
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