Hot Rod

Up-close & Personal Novella #3

by Kellie Hart

THE BRITISH INVASION IS HERE, AND HE’S GOT SUPERMAN HAIR.

At my best friend’s wedding a few months ago, I laid eyes on the most beautiful man I have ever seen. All dressed up in a tux, he was a sexy Clark Kent wannabe--tall, dark, and handsome. Then, when he opened his mouth, Atticus Sherwood revealed himself to be as British as a fucking crumpet.

Yeah, I should’ve taken a bite out of him, but he left before I could nibble his fine English muffin.

Now, Atticus is back in New Orleans. Before I know it, his tongue has me screaming the Queen’s name, and my heart is crying out for more than a torrid affair with this bed-breaking Brit.

There’s just one little problem: love broke me once before, and I swore to myself I wouldn’t let it happen again.

Is taking a leap with Atticus worth the risk? Maybe I just need to trust I’ve finally found my own Superman to catch me when I fall.

Thank God he doesn’t come faster than a speeding bullet. ;-)

Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2017

About the author

By day, I am a sedate, however accomplished, young adult novelist. By night, though, I become a foul-mouthed vixen with a penchant for expensive coffee, thrift shop clothing, and bad ‘80s comedy and scifi. (P.S. I really, really like cats, unicorns, and anything that glitters/glows/shits glitter while glowing. Just sayin’.) All in all, morphing into a dispenser of smut is a natural outlet for my talents. Or, so I hope.

And hell if it ain’t a lot more fun than writing teenage angst which I’m most known for. Now, it's all the dirty ways we can get our kicks on Route Sexty-Six.

Anyway, if I can leave you with anything, ladies, it’s that I took a chance in writing Bombshell (Up-close & Personal Novella No. 1). It’ll either sink or swim. You’ll love it or hate it. But you know what? In the end, I threw a middle finger to the life I knew, and I stepped out on faith that something, anything, could happen from telling Jacque’s story in Bombshell. In telling hers, I kinda sorta told mine, too. So, let’s all take her mama’s advice, shall we?

Just live. Every damn day: LIVE.

-Kellie H<3rt

Want to stalk me? I love a good stalker. ;-) Follow me at the links below:

Newsletter... http://eepurl.com/czwU8L

Facebook... Author Kellie Hart

Instagram... @authorkelliehart

Street Team Sign-up... https://goo.gl/forms/WkfVSVhTkOdvjms43

ARC of Knockout, sequel to Bombshell...
https://goo.gl/forms/PO0QcU92J5AYbxYy1

Reviews

[Love2ReadRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put Hot Rod down!!! It’s just as hot and hilarious as you’d expect from Kellie Hart! This little entertaining novella made me fall in love with Atticus’ caring heart and Carey’s will to be her true self. Kellie wrote another great one, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Excessive~Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd novella in the Up-close and Personal series. In books one and two we were introduced to the energetic Carolina AKA Carey and the hot guy with a British accent AKA Atticus, but we don’t really truly didn’t get to know them yet.
Hot Rod is a storyline that touches something deeper and darker than the other books. However in true Kellie Hart fashion she writes it in a way you get all the feeling as the characters do and laugh at it along the way.
Carey is the kind of girl who enjoys potty humor and joking around with friends.
Atticus is a proper speaking hottie that enjoys the natural things in life but in a total different way.
If Atticus is lucky he can watch this creature up-close morph into its true form. As for Carey, she crosses her fingers that Atticus just might capture it, for keeps.

You don’t need to read Bombshell and/or Knockout, which came before Hot Rod but I’d suggest you do to get the full effect of this crazy and lovable group of friends. Much like the Golden Girls each leading lady has a story to tell but put them together and you can’t help but envy their friendship and laugh at their antics.

[Michelle Krystel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc provided by author for honest review. Thank you Kellie, hot rod has shown us girl that we can all be supergirl. It just takes the right person to break down our walls. And for us to trust in ourselves that we are worth it. And we can over come anything. It may take time, lots of crying and bad flash backs but we are smart, beautiful woman and we can do it! So thank you Kellie again. You make us woman proud!

[Jenny Prose · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Smashingly hilarious stars!

I wanted more because this novella was so good! I absolutely love Carey's character. She was so much fun. I haven't laughed out loud so much before!

This book, like most of Kellie's, was a huge hit! Loved every second of this story and can't wait for her to write more!

[Karen Sedgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Rod was an awesome story! This was a laugh a minute with these girls, as was Carey & Sexy Brit Atticus! These two are amazing and smoking hot together! Fantastic ending! Bring on Foxtrot!

[Naomi]

OH MY GOD! I fking loved it..as being British I love when I read some slang, and it's even funnier to me when I actually say some of the things aswell, hahaha, but any way back to the book, Atticus and Carolina are the perfect match, both getting over shitty pasts, but they both rebuild each other back up, with humour and hot sex! I loved when previous characters come in aswell I loved to see how everyone is doing, and even better when you meet new ones, I can't wait to read about Monty and Honeydew, I met them briefly in Christmas kisses and they had me hooked, I give this story 5 hot and funny amazing stars *****

[Nicole Studioso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully funny and fast read! I fell instantly in love with Atticus, adoring his way with words and how he treats Carey. I'm not normally a fan of women like Carey in books. She's entirely too hyper, forward, and flippant for me. Though she certainly can twist a phrase and crack you up in a heartbreak. After all her heartbreak, Carey deserves some peace and comfort, and she finds that with Atticus, along with acceptance and adoration. I voluntarily read a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Velma Laveaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third novella by Kellie Hart, and I don't think I'm wrong when I say that this is the best yet. I think it's cool that in the end acknowledgments she basically says that this book didn't really even exist until Thanksgiving. I can't begin to imagine writing one thing, doing away with it, and starting over and producing THIS in like... What? A month?! That's a month, right? Less than a month? I guess Kellie hit her stride with this one because it's pure genius, and it all comes down to Carey, the MC. Carey's sense of humor is different than Jacque's and Char's, but at the same time, she fits in perfectly with the NOLA crew, so she's both expected and unexpected at the same time. I also have to give props to Kellie for taking the whole potty humor and running with it. I don't want to spoil anything, but we've all been in Carey's position in Chapter One, and she handles it way more gracefully than I ever would. And, can I just talk about Atticus for a second? Black hair, blue eyes, and BRITISH--Jesus, I'm dead. I also love his whole photographer bit. He likes to "watch" Carey, but he doesn't want to push her. I don't know many men who would've been that patient with someone as broken as she seems to be, and HE IS. He needs a medal for that! Whats cool is that he's kind of broken himself. Was it just me or was he a little self-conscious when he finally showed Carey his body? WTH did the ex do to him to leave him questioning himself? Hey, Kellie, that's an idea: writing something with Atticus when he goes back to England after meeting Carey the first time; I would love to see that awful Sophie in action. Anyway, I think I've said my piece. Hot Rod is magic!! If you need a quick, fun, and pretty raunchy read to fill the holidays, this is it, and it'll leave you laughing, crying, and hugging your Kindle all at once! May your ever after be as happy as you deserve, Carey and Atty. You've earned it!

[Shasta Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book!!!

There is no words yet too many to describe the work of art displayed in this hilarious novella! Kellie continues to throw out sayings that make you stop and re read them because they are that funny! This was cute, hot and totally entertaining!!!

Poor Carey's heart was not the only thing in shambles after the break up between her and her ex, Mike. Her self esteem and self worth suffered at the verbal and physical abuse she endured. She may own her curves on stage under the alter ego, Lola Goden, but Carolina was an entire different story. It takes the Superman strengths of Atticus to show her the true self value she desired and desperately needed. Her two previous encounters with him allowed her to be comfortable in her own skin and truly smile on the outside as well as within. However, before she could muster up the courage and strength to ask him out, he disappears and returns to England.

Atticus is returning to New Orleans and to Carey. The one girl that lights the fire burning in his soul. However, what he finds us a girl hiding behind the facade of her stage charachter and not understanding the true beauty beneath her skin and throughout. It takes his Superman skills to own her and posess the one thing she doesn't believe she can ever give, her heart. These two will teach you a whole new meaning of supporting and loving your other half through true love and understanding.

Another Grand Slam knockout for the working styles of Kellie Hart!!! She knows how to keep her readers engaged and devoted to her charachters!!!!

5+++ STARS

[Roxie Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF KELLIE HART. OMG. This book is hilarious. It's hot. It burned up my Kindle.

Let's address the stars of HOT ROD: Carey and Atticus have a chemistry that left me wanting my own sexy HEA in New Orleans. One is short, one is tall. One is American, one is British. One is a stripper, one is an artist. You couldn't ask for a better way to turn up the heat!

The plot: It's Kellie's typical girl wants boy, boy is there for girl, (lots of sex and sex and sex), separation, and reunion formula. Pair all that with Carey's selfesteem issues and Atticus' desire to save her, and you've got something ripe for 300 pages that she somehow delightfully wraps up in 150.

The bad: If anything, that's my only complaint about Kellie. She never writes enough for me. I got to the epilogue, which is the best part of the whole book, and I was mad because I want to know what happens next! Do they? Don't they? What about Char's.... OK. I'm not going to spoil that for you... BUT WHERE'S THE REST?!!

The good: Fortunately for me and everybody else who's a Kellie fan, Foxtrot will be out next year (based on what she said in this novella), and I think Hot Rod is re-read worthy. I know I'll never touch Bombshell or Knockout again, because Char's euphemisms are burned into my brain, but Carey's subtle growth and Atticus' learning to trust her and himself need to be revisited I think. There's depth here that Kellie didn't have before.

The rating: 5 stars

The final thought: Read it. JUST READ IT. You won't regret it. (Read Bombshell and Knockout first because all those characters appear in one, too.)

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5 STARS**

This is my first book by Kellie (and because I read the series out of order, I met Carolina and Atticus before I met the rest of the New Orleans krewe). In fact, I created a Goodreads account just to review this book because I liked it that much. Anyway, here's what I really enjoyed about Kellie's writing: it's random and heartfelt, but at the same time, it's raw and honest and just plain fresh to the genre. I have never read an author like her before. I'm more of a Colleen Hoover girl myself, but there's something about Kellie's word choices and filthy descriptions that make me keep reading when I'll give up on a book on the first page if it doesn't make me want to take a bigger bite. Kellie had me at Atticus' ''Ello."

That being said, I think I get why one reviewer gave it less than 5 stars--the potty humor. Personally, I found it hilarious, but I can also see why it would bother some people if it's not their taste. I would like to politely disagree that there's a lot of it. It's maybe one song and a joke into the first chapter, but for someone, that may be too much. I don't mean to argue or overly defend Kellie, but how many of us have been in Carey's situation before? Uhmm, hello, we all have. LOL I sort of appreciate Kellie stepping out on a limb with the jokes in this one and making fun of all of *us.* Jacque's sense of humor is normal; Char has "euphemisms," and Carey has potty humor. To each her own, right? To me, it was a "spit out my morning coffee" kind of moment. Well done, Kellie Hart.

I deducted half-a-point simply because I wonder if Carey's journey to self-acceptance would have been resolved so quickly. As someone who's struggled with self-esteem issues myself, it's an ongoing battle, and I would love to have seen Carey have a second moment of weakness for us, to remind us she's human. But, Carey is happy now, and in the end, she deserves that more than anything. I also LOVED Atticus' small moment of self-doubt in the final chapter. A perfect male lead is boring, and Atticus is not perfect. He's perfect for Carey, though, and, and the end of the day, that's "f*cking perfect" as Carey likes to say.

I doubt this will be the last time I pick up a book by Kellie Hart.

[Nicole Aube · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the coolest thing about Kellie Hart is the amount of power she can pour into a few pages. I found Carey's journey to be legitimately touching and funny all in one go. I have no idea how Kellie does that... making someone so real and relatable in only a few short chapters. Carey touched my heart, too, because I was in a bad relationship once, and like her, I needed someone to save me. Like her, I learned to save myself along the way. Add to that how fantastically great all The Golden Girls references are, and I couldn't ask for more, so well, done, Kellie! When and where can I find my own Atticus to take me away? Oh, BTW: if you're a fan of ''Full Monty,'' Kellie's short in Christmas Kisses, then you will not want to miss the epilogue of this sassy and sexy novella! (Monty is bbaacccck, ladies!) 5 GLOWING STARS!! I'd give it more if I could!

[Ronny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to keep it short and to the point: this book is sweet and raunchy. Above all else, it is hilarious. Kellie's style isn't for everyone, but if you "get" her and appreciate her weird humor and oh-so-sexy love scenes, then you're a pretty freaking lucky reader.

[Chelsea | WithHerBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You owe me nothing, and I will make it my duty to give you everything. I swear it, Carey - I am here as long as you will have me.”

Atticus “Clark Kent” Sherwood & Carolina Grant are here! This steamy novella was packed with a little bit of everything … from laughter to heartbreak, and it was a fantastic journey. The witty banter, and level of unapologetic honesty had me in tears. Beyond the hilarity of the dynamic between Atticus and Carolina, was a story of second-chances and overcoming fears. Everyone has a story. Not to mention, these two have insane chemistry.

I can't wait for Monty & Millie's story!!

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say there's just something about saving the best for last and this book is it. I've read the other 2 stories in this series and laughed right along, but this book omg this authors sense of humor is through the roof. I can not say when I last read a book that had me flipping pages faster than I could read them and I can't remember when I've enjoyed reading a book more. If you haven't picked up this fantastic book yet you most definitely need to get it. If your stressing over the holiday's or just plain stressed you need to read this, because in true Kellie style she'll have you laughing and pulling your heart strings and not necessarily in that order. I absolutely loved loved this story!!💜

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Amanda Bordner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellie Hart is one of those authors that has me laughing hysterically from the very first page. I had to re-read the first few pages to myself, as well as to my boyfriend, because I was laughing so much I had tears running down my cheeks. This book was amazing!

Carey and Atticus have shown up before, but we didn’t know a ton about their back stories. This book was hot hot hot and kept me turning pages late into the night!

This book was just a ton of fun to read, and although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the other two first.

5 stars for Hot Rod!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This series is tremendous - funny, sexy, romantic, unexpected, clever. Hot Rod is all those things as well. Carey is a lady unlike any other. She's strong and damaged, beautiful and weird, talented and floundering. Most of all she is loved and lovable but doesn't quite see it all yet. Atticus is sexual savant with a poet's heart and a delicious accent. I've got serious heart-eyes for this guy. These two, together in New Orleans, are magic.

"Sounds like you loved it, so why not a higher rating?" That's what you might be thinking. Here's why. Overall, I liked it; it would have been a solid 4.5-star for me except for Carey's pervasive fecal fixation. I almost didn't get through the first chapter! So. Much. Talk. About. Poop! She even references it in the middle of one of the sexiest, most romantic, most vulnerable moments. If you don't like bathroom humor, beware.

[Tamara Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I have been a huge fan of Kellie's since her first novella in the series and she has not disappointed at all. I could not put Hot Rod down. Carolina and Atticus have my heart on a whole new level. It's real and raw and gritty and the banter that this book holds in just awesome sauce!!! I could not love it more, throw in the amazing chemistry which leads to mind-blowing naughty time and I literally was on the edge of my seat to see what happens with these two amazing characters. I don't want to give too much away but I can say that Kellie has written about a topic that moves me and shed light on the things that we as woman don't talk about, from abuse to needed to "drop off the kids". I had the best time and this is exactly what I needed to soothe my soul today.
I cannot wait to see what this wonderful woman has in store for us next.

[MJ Symmonds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why but I did not connect to these characters. There's really no particular reason just I couldn't get into it. I wanted to, but I just couldn't.

Ok so there is one thing that by the third book started to bother me: the internal monologue of the heroine. I liked it with book 1 it was fun, I loved it with book 2 because it suited the heroine. Sadly for this book I just didn't feel it worked for me with this heroine. I felt using in 3 novellas in the same series felt a little redundant to me. I see that this book I really loved by readers which is fantastic!!

I know I'm in the minority & that's ok. We all as readers get a different experience from each and every book and while I wasn't totally into this one I know there are going to be hundreds of others readers that already love it or will love it when they read it.

Really happy to have discovered this author this year & will definitely be reading more of her books.

[Heather Hansard · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG?!? I've had the 1st in this series (Bombshell) on my TBR for a while,but when Kellie offered me a chance to read Knockout and an ARC of Hot Rod, I devoured all 3 books in 6 days! (Would like to have finished sooner,but strangely enough,wanting to read is not an acceptable reason for calling out of work!) Carey & Atticus had charisma, chemistry,and crazy friends. From the first chapter to the last, I laughed out loud, swooned, and cheered! While this is a stand-alone,I advise reading the first two books so you understand who all the supporting characters are, and gain a little back story. Very grateful for this copy to review,and honestly can't wait to see Monty and Millie's story next!

[Lisa Tetting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully funny right from the beginning. I found Carey's personality off the charts. She was crass and rude and I loved every bit of it.

Atticus was a dreamboat. What more can you ask for- H-O-T, funny, sweet, tats with piercings in naughty places and great in bed! Plus he adored Carey and treated her with love and respect.

The story was cute and edgy at the same time. I enjoyed the relationship between Carey and Atticus, as well as the super hot sex scenes. Kudos to Kellie for a well written book.

[Shannon Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, as with every other book from Kellie Hart, was amazeballs! So quirky, snarky, sexy, vulgar...I loved it! It's like we are soul sisters the way she writes and the way my brain works. I recommend her to everybody- unless you are easily offended, don't like sexiness, don't like curse words, don't like a sexy ass guy and a hot girl getting together, or just are lame...lol. Seriously, I love this lady and look forward to every book she writes in the future!!

[Patti Rivard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot British guy and a sassy, fearless gal from New Orleans? Throw in some fun (and some times embarrassing moments) and some Golden moments. You have the ingredients for another awesome book!!! Carey lives her life without fear and taps into our inner bad girl. Atticus, what can I say but Yum! By the time you get to the end of this book you will feel as if you went on one hell of a ride! You will be so glad that you followed the journey of these three sassy and strong women, and the amazing hot men they love!