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Crowd Pleaser

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I had one job. Show up and rock his world. So, I did just that. I left him panting and begging for more. Mission complete. The next day, however, I’m told he was the wrong guy. If that’s the case, why did it feel so right? I had one job, and I blew it...literally.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2018

482 people are currently reading
794 people want to read

About the author

Marie James

103 books2,918 followers
Marie James is a mother of two boys and wife of 17 years. She's spent most of her life lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Her passions include reading everything under the sun and sewing, although she doesn't get to sew much these days!.

Writing has always been a passion and she's enjoying every step of the journey!

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5 stars
249 (38%)
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185 (28%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,412 followers
December 13, 2018
I expected a book about a strong woman, who wasn't ashamed to like sex.
I expected a book about female empowerment, about cliché-breaking and fighting against double standards...

It wasn't the case, IMO of course...


But what I didn't expect was the male protagonist, who judged and treated the heroine without any respect.
Manwhore extraordinary and he allowed himself to judge her??? A§§hole.

The male character ruined this book for me.
POS. Sorry, but not sorry.

I wish the girl would tell him to f*ck off and find a decent guy.




Anyway a good attempt to write a different heroine!!!


P.S. NOT safe, fortunately on the both sides.
Profile Image for Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥.
886 reviews3,441 followers
March 16, 2018
Crowd Pleaser is the only thing I've ever read by Maire James, and I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. From the moment I read the blurb though, I knew I had to get my hands on this book. It sounded right up my alley, so I crossed my fingers and hoped that it would meet my expectations. Thankfully, it did!

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I love to read romance novels that are a little something different, and to me, that's exactly what this was. Randi, the heroine of the story, is a porn star. She makes money fucking other porn stars at frat parties, and the company she works for films it to put up on their website. One day, she goes to "work" and winds up having sex with the wrong guy. Randi doesn't realize it until after it's done, and her boss tells her if she doesn't get her mystery man to sign a consent form, she's fired.

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Jake is the lucky frat guy Randi mistakenly had sex with at the party. He's a manwhore and senator's son that hates his father and everything he stands for. When a video of him having sex with Randi surfaces on the internet, his father immediately begins to try to find a way to spin it so that the public believes he was drugged. He even goes so far as to suggest they have Randi arrested. Furious, Jake let's his dad know he isn't having any of it. In fact, the world should get used to seeing his dick, because he's becoming a porn star.

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That's about all I'm going to say about the plot. This book is pretty short coming in under 200 pages. Therefore, to avoid giving away too much about the story, I'm going to keep this short and sweet. 

Crowd Pleaser is entertaining, original, and most of all, HOT! I didn't want to put it down once I start reading it. I mean, fucking in public in chapter one?! Was this book written just for me? LOL!
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The story is on the lighter side, but you won't find any complaints here. It's exactly what I needed after all of the emotional books I've been reading lately. The back and forth seemed a little out of hand at times, but who really knows how to navigate feelings and relationships when you're fucking each other for money. 🤷 

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If you're looking for a shorter read with scorching sex and a unique romance, this one's for you!

ARC generously provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marie James.
Author 103 books2,918 followers
March 14, 2018
Crowd Pleaser is LIVE!!!

Hot, steamy and full of oh-la-la!!

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Profile Image for JewelsyGoolsy.
650 reviews99 followers
March 18, 2018
Not for any safety gangers out there and not a book to pick up for any heart rendering romance or swoons. I did it and liked it cos the smut was hawt. Whoo wee.
Profile Image for Cristina.
514 reviews469 followers
December 29, 2018
This. Book. Was. So. Hot!!! 😏😏😏
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,940 reviews394 followers
March 15, 2018
That girl is a real crowd pleaser.

If you’re looking for a campy romance about a reality porn star and a frat guy who have their kismet moment in a pretty public and hardcore (hehe) way, then Crowd Pleaser is the book for you.

I thought this read was fun. There is a bunch of quick smut, and there is a bit of tension between the main couple. I liked the first half better than the second. There are some moments when the characters say some slut shamey things, but it’s part of the plot in the book. There’s sex with other partners, but I think it works in this story. The end did feel a little all over the place compared to the start of the book. There were also some inconsistency issues with the way the characters were feeling in one chapter opposed to the next. A little bit all over the place emotionally and I’m not sure it was intentional.

I’ll end with saying that I loved the idea of the plot. The characters were mostly good, and the relationship was fun to follow at the start. All in all a good read.
Profile Image for Kim.
768 reviews1,894 followers
December 29, 2018
I present to you: my most ridiculous read of 2018! I read the blurb and thought it could be interesting but as it turns outit was really not. I’ve never read a similar “romance” (using the term very loosely here) and I guess now I know why.

So that’s a no from me as this was way too far out of my comfort zone.

Also: Randi? Really? This book is about a girl who does guys in public for money and her real name was Randi? Her alias (Cici) was even less stupid than Randi.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
March 18, 2018

 
 

 
I was not prepared for this book whatsoever. I have read books by Marie James before, her Cerberus Second Generation Series and one stand-alone, but it was nothing like Crowd Pleaser. Honestly, I thought it would have been something like a party entertainer of the sorts, someone that you would call when your party really stinks, but nope. Not at all. It’s honest to goodness about ‘party crashed porn stars’!

So colour me pink and tell me I’m imagining things, but this book was hilarious and what I would have expected from any person deciding to go into the industry - the money is great and you don’t always do it because you want to, but because you have to. I don’t think I can remember anyone writing a book like this, and I’m really glad an author tackled this type of story (doubly so that it was this author because she definitely knows how to write a story that just makes you want to keep reading no matter what).

I was intrigued by the story. I was also laughing more times than I care to admit, but most of all, I really enjoyed the story line. It had everything I could hope to find a story and I have no problems gushing over what I loved about this book!


 
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
 

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8063169-kathleen-r

 

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Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
March 15, 2018
description
I'm not even surprised anymore that Marie James was able to take an idea that most wouldn't even consider and turn it into a romance. Having read almost everything she's written I know that she knows how to work a plot and make it magic. However I continue to be impressed by her skill and amazing talent.

This book had so much that I loved. A leading lady who is independent and owns her sexuality. She doesn't let the things people say about her break her and she isn't the inexperienced virgin waiting for a man to open her mind to the physical aspects of a relationship. She was such a strong character who wouldn't be walked over or forced to bend to anyone's will.

The leading man was just as impressive. I loved that he was everything I expected and yet more. The way he reacted to things was what I thought it might be but different. I feel like I can't really explain that without giving things away but once you read the book it makes more sense. He was exactly what our leading lady needed in so many ways.

And of course I loved that these two had awesome best friends who were in their corner always. They helped talk through things, gave hard truths when needed, and even kicked out people who had overstayed their welcome.

This whole story was just fantastic. I loved it as I have come to love everything I read by Marie James and I continue to look forward to what she will give us next.
Profile Image for Karen Mc .
1,106 reviews769 followers
March 18, 2018


WOW!!!! Marie James set my kindle ON FIRE!!! I would have loved to have been inside Marie James’ head while she was writing this sexy story. Crowd Pleaser is such a NAUGHTY DELIGHT—so ENTICING and EDGY! It’s a cat-and-mouse game that chases the angst. It’s an ADDICTION. This fire-hot and heady read was MY GUILTY PLEASURE.



This story is so SEXY with strong characters that will captivate readers from beginning to end. The hero and heroine are on fire together with chemistry that completely combusted all over the pages. The secondary characters nearly steal the show. My favorite was Karen, of course, as she’s named after ME. Yes; I had the honor of being a porn star on this ride of pleasure. Spoiler alert: I secretly admired her boldness.

Addiction. That’s exactly what he smells like.


Hot. Sexy. Sweet. Caring. Protective. Jake is the ULTIMATE ALPHA!!! Randi is a beautiful, smart, and sassy spitfire of a heroine who’s perfect for Jake. They were heat mixed with heart ... PALPABLE!

The man has the uncanny ability to play my body like a fiddle, and orgasms are always the best gifts.


Deliciously dirty, heart-stopping sexy, and touchingly tender, Crowd Pleaser COMBUSTS from heart to core in a FANTASY COME TRUE. This steamy story lights your core on fire. I was a minx and Crowd Pleaser was my muse. Crowd Pleaser is unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s such a FUN READ! Crowd Pleaser will definitely please a crowd of readers who crave the hottest heat with their love stories.

”I want to be drunk on you.”


💋💋💋💋 combustible ‘crowd pleaser’ kisses

➡️ http://amzn.to/2G4qyxm



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Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,523 reviews71 followers
March 8, 2018
This story is crazy. Crazy hot, crazy different, and crazy good.
I’m a big fan of the MC stories I’ve read by author Marie James. I’ve come to expect some super hot scenes, enjoyable storytelling, emotion and maybe a twist or two. And with Crowd Pleaser, I got even more than I expected of all that!

“Men can go around and stick their dicks in anything, and they’re ‘just being boys.’ But, when a woman owns her sexuality and wants to sleep around she’s a whore. Well, fuck you, Jake. It’s my life, my goddamn body, and my fucking choice who gets to fuck me.”

Randi is not your average romance heroine. She goes after what she wants and takes no prisoners. She tries to keep Jake at arms length, but he is determined to get under her skin.

Crowd Pleaser will not be for everyone. It is definitely scorching hot and a bit taboo, but if that doesn’t scare you away, dive in, It will be worth it.
-4 Stars-
-Diane-
Profile Image for Tanvi.
112 reviews59 followers
January 2, 2019
I have no regrets about this being the first book I finished this year. I needed something light & that didn't involve a lot of brain power, this was just the perfect book.
Added bonus was this was super hot.
I haven't read anything like this besides 50 shades, & of course it has some problematic elements, but its smut, & i'm not going around telling people that its literature.

Marie James writes physical descriptions pretty well, I was quite frankly, pretty impressed. However, the story & characters were alright (sometimes annoying).

Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse
Profile Image for Isabelle MBTL .
749 reviews59 followers
March 14, 2018
I received this book for free from Foreword PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Wow!!! I'm still a bit speechless here and unsure of what I should say.
Erotic, contemporary romance, with dual-POV.

Stand-alone romance, book-boyfriend hero and kick-ass heroine.

 

First, I have to mention that the blurb was very catching at the same time very vague. I had no idea what I was going to read. You won't get anything else from me either, because the author has a reason for doing this way, and it worked for me.

When I started the book, I was like, ok, this is going to be an erotica novel. I like erotica and I was ready for the hot read I would embark on.

My mistake. I wasn't ready at all and I didn't know what was coming my way. I'm shocked of how emotional this read was for me!



Addictiveness: Yes! This was one of those book that keep me on the edge of my sit, sometimes squirming because it was really hot and other times because I couldn't wait for what was going to happen. This is not an action/adventurous read, but it felt like it. Read into the night in one sitting because I couldn't let go of it.
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 5/5, real 5/5  O.M.G! Really, these characters... Perfect hero, superb heroine, amazing secondary characters. There was no way for me, but become invested in their happiness and feeling a bit responsible for the outcome of their lives. I felt like crying and laughing with them. I've mentally slapped them a few times and I wanted to hug them and tell them everything would be all right other times. They were easy to love, connect and understand. They felt real, even though in a surreal situation.
Cover: art 5/5, title 5/5, subtitle 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I love the cover and would buy this book without reading the blurb (even though I have chosen to read this before the cover was out, and because the blurb was very catching). This cover is perfect for the story. The smoking hot guy sitting on a bed, watching a sexy woman video on the computer. How cool is that? The title fits and the colors used here enhance the overall effect of the cover. I only wished the male model had more tattoos to fit Jake better.
Freshness: Only one word to describe this: UNIQUE! Really, this is a one-of-a-kind. Plot totally different from everything that is out there. Reads almost like erotica but has lots of depth.
Plot: believable 3.5/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5  Great opening and wonderful ending. Perfect conflict and dialogues written by an expert. Steady pace with enough subplots to enhance the story. A few unexpected twists here and there, that adds spice to the book. Lots of depth here. A roller-coaster of emotions. Behind the raunchy sex, there were divine characters.
Romance: believable 3.5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 5/5, steam 5/5 This is HOT! I mean cold-shower hot. So hot, that you feel embarrassed reading in front of others. The couple's chemistry is explosive, the smut description is great and their romance development is perfect.
Writing Style: Amazing! Perfect characters, divine plot with enough emotions that keeps the reader wanting more.



I have no idea. I guess if some of these amazing secondary characters could get a book of their own.

 

 

I have no idea why I haven't read any of Ms. James book's before. I'm certain I have missed out. Nothing as good as this book could be a fluke.

Have I mentioned how shocked I am? Really, I was expecting a lot of smut and a hot ride. Not an out-of-body experience where I felt like crying and laughing all the time. Oh yeah, one of the hottest reads out there, but it was not meaningless. It was there to break preconceptions and to make us think of how we usually act with the flow. So easily throwing judgment and acting under certain rules that makes us feel entitled.

Yes, my review is messy, but so are my emotions around this book.

 

Overall 

33.5/35 STARS

Addictiveness: 5  Character: 5  Cover: 4.5  Freshness: 4.5  Plot: 4.5  Romance: 5 Writing Style: 5

 

Action 1/5
Angst 3/5
Darkness 0/5
Humor 4/5
Romance 5/5
Suspense/Mystery 0/5
Would I recommend? I would recommend this book for everyone that enjoy romance with lots of spice. In fact, this is a MUST READ!
Would I re-read this book? Definitely!!!
Would I re-read this series? Not a series, even though I wish it was.
Would I read more from the author? I need to do this A.S.A.P!!!

You MAY read this because you follow the author; you SHOULD read this because you like erotic romance; you MUST read this to be SHOCKED (good shocking)!!!!!




This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
Profile Image for Ana Rita.
1,773 reviews41 followers
March 14, 2018
Happy doesn't even cover the way I was feeling when I saw this book on my Kindle. I was happy, excited and curious to say the least.
But first things first. This author has been on my to go list for quite some time and every book is a challenge.
Marie James has an unique way of writing that can make you cry one second and laugh as well. Her writing is intense, real, hot and wild.
Crowd Pleaser is her latest release and tells the stories of Randi and Jake.
The first thing that crossed my mind when this author told us the name of her next book was intriguing. I mean, what it is a Crowd Pleaser? What does that mean? I know the definition but I also know that coming from her it will have a double meaning. And then the blurb knock my socks off. It's explicit, it's raw, and now what should I expect to find?
There was only one thing to do and that was reading.
Randi is a porn star. Different right??? She's a feisty woman, that knows what she wants and doesn't back out from a challenge. She's not the typical girl next door and her past wasn't a good one. One night with the wrong guy turned out to be the beginning of...
Jake's goal is to drive his dad to insanity. He is fed up with his attitude and the need to do something wrong is always there. One crazy night with a stunning woman will turn is world upside down.
And I'm done talking. Jeez what a ride this book was.
The plot is superb, very well written, super engaging and wild. The interation between the characters is raw and sexy but let's not forget the craziness that surround them.
Jake and Randi's chemistry is tight and Holly hell, it was super hot as well.
What I Ioved more about this book was that it didn't lost time with small talk. Once the book started we were catapulted into a world that everyone liked but doesn't talk about.
This book will present you with acceptance, love, desire as well as friendship, sexyness and hotness.
OMG and you will have some pretty hilarious scenes that will make you laugh so hard... And lets not forgoet the hot stuff as well.
I was so into the book that I couldn't put it down. Once I started to read I was immediately hooked and I only slept once the book was over. Lets me just say that I almost saw the sunrise...
Jeez louise Marie James you nailed it. This book is freaking awesome and everyone should read it. But just forget about the boy meets girl and they lived happily ever after... Forget that and prepare yourself for this...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Cheryl O'Harney.
1,278 reviews21 followers
March 15, 2018
Arc provided in return for an honest review.

Title: Crowd Pleaser
Author: Marie James
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5/5

This was such an amazing take on an unconventional love story, it oozed sexiness and heat from the get go.

A strong leading lady in the form Randi a porn star who’s job it is alongside another porn star is to get the crowd going wherever that may be, she doesn’t apologise one bit to anyone for the fact that she does what she does, she’s on a job when she meets Jake who she mistakenly thinks is her co-star for that particular evening, it’s clear there’s a strong connection between them both and when a certain situation arises they end up striking a deal that sees them spending more time together. We do get to hear about both Randi and Jakes backgrounds which makes things clearer as to what and why they do the things they do.

What started out as a case of mistaken identity with a hint of lust and attraction thrown in soon became so much more, I can’t even begin to put into words just how much I loved this book it was extremely hot, sexy and I mean seriously sexy with the perfect blend of sweetness and yes hands up I ain’t ashamed to say it made me horny.

Another fabulous read from Ms James, definitely different from her other books but in no way disappointing just one piece of advice... DO NOT READ IN PUBLIC AS YOU MIGHT FIND YOURSELF IN A SPOT OF BOTHER.
Profile Image for Susan's Reviews.
1,250 reviews772 followers
January 5, 2019
I have to say that my eyes fairly popped out of my head as I read the first chapter, and I am not easily shocked. Exhibitionist porn stars at wild frat parties - and here I thought I had read it all.
I actually enjoyed this crazy romp of a story - Marie James writes very well. Even raunchy novels have to be well-written for me to go near them. Towards the end, I couldn't understand the sudden change of heart in one of the characters, but I was feeling ready to have the story end, so I just went with it. Just for sheer audacity and jaw-dropping descriptions (and yes, the story had its sweet and interesting moments), I give this a 4.5 stars. You just have to experience this one for yourselves. Caution: highly graphic descriptions and situations.
Profile Image for Jenny B.
1,297 reviews29 followers
March 13, 2018
Seriously this is a one click right now book. I loved the premise of this book and the characters were incredibly easy to relate to and step into their minds. Marie James has written a treasure here that has everything in it from humor, banter, some heart pulls and some definite heat. (Not sure you can be surprised by the heat knowing the blurb in advance). I absolutely loved what a strong character Randi was and there was no wishy washy from her. Jake is such a well written character I am not sure how you can't fall for him

Marie James has stepped out for this write and it absolutely does not disappoint!

Do not read this book alone -- haha
Profile Image for T..
564 reviews21 followers
March 13, 2018
Review To Come
Profile Image for Julie.
1,445 reviews32 followers
March 13, 2018
Did that amazing blurb get your attention? I sure hope so because that is only the beginning…..

Randi is not your typical girl next door. In fact – she is the girl you wish you could be. One that takes the bull by the horns and turns that intensity into a means to an end. What Randi didn’t count on was crossing paths with Jake. Everything about Jake makes Randi want to break her own rules. Who knew a mistaken identity could be so ‘all consuming’? Then there is the realization that Jake isn’t going to step back into the shadows. Something that intrigues Randi when she knows it shouldn’t. Jake knows this is just the beginning….now he just needs to convince Randi of the same thing.

Holy HOTNESS!!!! Whew…..let me change my underwear before I get started on this review…… Did I say that??? Oh yes I did!! Crowd Pleaser is one of the most UNIQUE and interesting story plots that I have read this year. In a field of stagnant tropes, Crowd Pleaser will pull you by the hair, grab you by the heart, and leave you panting for more!!

From the very first chapter, you will realize that Crowd Pleaser isn’t your typical sugary sweet romance. In fact – it’s probably the complete opposite of that! The creativity begins from the very beginning….a treat from author Marie James that was completely unexpected, but thoroughly enjoyed.

Randi and Jake are so engaging as a couple. Nothing about them is ‘ordinary’ in the least little bit. Adding to this erotic tale is a mix of secondary characters that will pull you deeper into the saga that surrounds being a Crowd Pleaser. Each adding another layer to the story that will leave you so invested that you will not want to stop reading. Trust me on this….the story is THAT good!!

What else can I say to convince you to stop what you are doing and pick up your copy of Crowd Pleaser? Just read the blurb…then you can thank me later!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
803 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2018
James never fails to deliver the heat and with Crowd Pleaser she cranks it all the way up! It was so much more than I expected it to be but everything I never knew I wanted. Holy Hell! I am still fanning myself. I could not put this one down. I started the book and the next thing I knew it was 1:30 am and I was left speechless and completely in love.
I absolutely lobed this one. It was so different from anything I have read recently, that it felt like a breath of fresh air. If you are looking for a unique story that is sure to heat up the pages of your ereader, then this is the one for you!
Profile Image for Kellee.
115 reviews5 followers
March 14, 2018
Crowd Pleaser by Marie James 5 Stars

This book is unlike any other book I've read by Marie James, or any other author for that matter. I fell in love with this story from page one. Randi and Jake are unconventional characters, but very conceivable. Randi is the girl next door. She is cute, has feelings, and a controlling family. She is doing everything in her power to get out from under the clutches of her family and make a life for her self. Only it's not an easy task. She loves the finer things in life and has expensive taste. The sooner she can pay her own way, the better. Her parents and younger brother have a vision for the way Randi's life should be lived. Her dad changed after her mother passed away. She was raised that she should look down on everyone else because they weren't in the same upper class she was in. Randi on the other hand is stubborn, headstrong, and very independent. She wants to live her life her way and not by what is expected of her. She will do everything in her power to make this dream a reality, even if it means doing something that is out of her comfort zone. Being a crowd pleaser pays the bills off faster and it doesn't mean she has to continue it her whole life. It's been working out fine and she can see the light at the end of the tunnel, until Jake flipped her whole world upside down and now her job with SCP is in jeopardy. Was she going to allow this one mistake destroy her whole plan or was it written in the stars that Jake and Randi cross paths? Jake has made mistakes and has secrets he doesn't share with anyone. His family isn't all that it seems. Jake also has a goal of getting out from beneath the clutches of his family. Not everything is as it seems to be.

This book was a page turner from the beginning. I couldn't put it down! No matter what subject Marie James pursues, her writing is magic! I highly recommend reading this stand alone novel! Even if it is out of your genre of novels, I guarantee this book is worth taking a chance on. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,040 reviews317 followers
March 11, 2018
Making your female lead a porn star is one heck of a big risk, but Marie James certainly pulled it off. I loved the anti 'slut shaming' feel of this book and the bravery of making the heroine someone who owns her sexuality.

"I'm merely pointing out that slut-shaming just because she's female is ridiculous. So she f**ks for money? Sounds like a smart plan considering all of us that do it for free."

Men can go around and stick their dicks in anything, and they're 'just being boys'. But, when a woman owns her sexuality and wants to sleep around she's a whore.


In some ways I wish Randi didn't have such an emotionally damaging past, as this felt a little like an excuse for her behaviour. However her emotional immaturity was a necessary part of the plot.

I liked both Randi and Jake, though I didn't feel as though I really connected with Jake. I did get a little confused about some of his reasons for ignoring Randi, later in the book. He seemed to be wanting her to show a commitment but he hadn't really made this clear to her as far as I could see. He was whinging about Randi's poor communication and how she blew hot and cold, yet could not see how he was exactly the same.
I'm beyond possessive of her to the point of rage when I think of her with anyone else. Yet, I treat her exactly like everyone else. If my mother was alive, she'd slap my damn face for how I've been acting.

There was a lot of playing childish games or struggling to know how to communicate with the other person. I would have liked to see them develop emotionally throughout the story but instead it felt a little rushed, right at the very end of the book.

The excellent writing, plot, pace and wonderful support characters more than made this a good read. It kept my attention and I pretty much read it in one sitting.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,436 reviews274 followers
March 14, 2018
Randi Simms is known to most people as “Cici”. She works for the company SCP, otherwise known as Sorority Crowd Pleaser and it brings her into many college parties. She is grateful that the money is good, but she dreams of other things and knows this is just a stepping stone to paying off her condo until she is able to follow her dreams.
Jake Kortright is a rich kid living in a sorority house when one night brings him together with Randi and now he knows that he wants her. But how far will Jake go to make Randi his when she isn’t looking for any type of relationship or anything even remotely close?
This book was such a great book and so refreshing although at times it got a little heavy.
I loved both Randi and Jake and at the same time there were so many times that I truly wanted to throw something at the two of them to stop doing stupid things to each other and just communicate!!
The attraction between the two of them was so incredibly hot and there was so much between them that others wanted to see. Yet there was also something deeper between the two of them due to how they each grew up that brought them closer without even revealing what they each had gone through.
Their respective friendships with Jas, Ellis and Hunter were absolutely awesome and had me laughing so hard in some parts and realizing how wise these three guys were in other parts.
There were so many twists and turns in the book because of the situations that Vic and Joey placed them in that I was wondering what was truly going to happen. I was so mad at how things were twisted, and they were used against each other.
The ending was awesome because of the help that they received, and I really hope that Hunter gets a book next! - By Rebecca
Profile Image for Kaci Stewart.
193 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2018
EARLY READ AND SOOOOO PLEASED!!!

Crazy, insane hotness!!!! This book was nothing like others I've read. The premise is different than any book out there and it's so much more realistic regarding college and sex among men and woman and the double standard there is. Their love wasn't easy or always pretty, it wasn't instalove...it was organic and real. Randi/Cici and Jake have chemistry I've not read before. Literally from the first 5 or 10 pages I knew these two were going to make my kindle and me burn up every time they were in the same room together. Cici is paid for public sex and when she accidentally sleeps with the wrong man her world is turned upside down. Jake thought he was just a lucky SOB but turns out, Cici's accident was what he'd been waiting his whole life for. Besides the intense sexy as sin sex, the characters are amazing. Marie did a great job of really letting you see the characters evolve and transform into better people. The supporting characters, Hunter, Jas & Ellis are hilarious and provide some great comic relief. My only minor issue with the story is I wish we could have gotten just a little more background on Randi and Jake. We know the jist of what their parents were like and thus why they are the way we are, but I would have liked up a bit more detail. Honestly though, I read this book in one sitting and was really upset when it was done. I need more Crowd Pleasers!!!!!
Profile Image for Sara ✨ Next Book Review Blog ✨.
2,123 reviews5 followers
March 13, 2018
This is an amazingly original story! I mean, can you even believe Marie James wrote a book about the female lead character being a porn star. Yes, she did, I promise you! This book is unlike any other romance book out there. Not just because of the woman’s chosen profession but her “no apology” attitude over it. She was fierce and strong! She owned it and wasn’t ashamed of what she does or who she is at all. I just couldn’t get enough of how fabulous Randi was!

If you are thinking, oh, this is just a smut book… shush up, right there! This is way beyond! Marie James doesn’t write books to dampen our panties… oh no, there’s depth and heart in this book that even I was a bit surprised over! But yes, your panties will be a bit damp, there’s just no getting around that! Mrs. James adds this background to Randi and Jake that just adds to the entire story. I loved the added drama of the family with Jack and those secondary characters were amazing!

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
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Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,058 reviews66 followers
March 10, 2018
Review by: Jennifer
(5 stars)

This is not your traditional love story of girl meets boy, they kind of dance around each other then finally hook up and live happily ever after. Randi is called a crowd pleaser, the company she works for has her going to certain parties and there she and another crowd pleaser put on a bit of a "show" to get the crowd amped up. These shows are also filmed and put on a web site; see Randi is a porn star. When she goes to a party and ends up putting on a show with the wrong man, she is at risk of being fired, she has to somehow find this stranger and get him to sign the forms so that the film can be used.

Jake has done his best to do anything that will alienate his father more, and this is just the thing he needs to get under his fathers skin. When Randi comes back, Jake strikes up a deal, this way he gets Randi and the time he needs to convince her to give him a chance. Just when Jake thinks he has made some progress, he ends up taking two steps back. Is there any hope of getting Randi to give him more than just what the contract says, or is this really just for the sex?

This was freaking amazing! Marie James is an automatic read for me, and this blurb had me a bit on the fence, but I shouldn't have been nervous! This has all the dirty delicious sexy times you can want, with some drama, and some really freaking funny moments. I loved that this was different from the norm. I give this 5 stars!
203 reviews
March 13, 2018
Very Steamy, Sexy, HOT unconventional love story. The main characters attraction is very HOT right from the get go..... no easing into their Hot sexual attraction..... displayed for all to see!! Marie knows how to spin a story, and this one is definitely not your typical love story.
It’s a very superficial story told well if your looking for something that is very sexy & Hot, and a quick read. This is the book for you!!
I enjoyed it but would have liked more depth, to know more about them and why they are who they are. Their past was touched on, more so for one than the other Character. The side kicks were awesome characters too and I really enjoyed them. But again I would have liked more depth of the main Characters and their relationships with their sidekicks, like how they became friends. The epilogue is sweet but again lacking depth. There had to be some kind ramifications of their past that affected them in obtaining their current careers.... but more importantly there was no sidekicks interaction mentioned, which I missed. But knowing Marie she will come up with another book for these great sidekick characters’ story.
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2018
Marie James gives us another incredibly hot story with something that I love to read in books....A strong leading lady. And Randi is not only strong, she is a balls to the walls, go big or go home kinda girl who believes that what's good for the goose is just as good for the gander! Yes...if it's ok for a man to have sex with whoever he wants, then why in the hell can't a woman and why does she have to be labeled a whore if she does. She does who she wants when she wants and that's just the way it is! Jake is determined to get under her skin however, no matter how far at arms length she tries keeping him.

This book will cause your electric bill to go up (well maybe you'll have to read it outside if you have snow right now), because it is so scorching hot. There is a bit of the taboo in this book, but if it doesn't bother you you will be fine (or just skip over it..it won't hurt the story), but one thing I can say about this book...YOU NEED TO READ IT! I highly recommend this book and I hope that you will all give it a try. I'm not saying that everyone will love it, but I know that a huge about of readers of the genre will totally enjoy it. Go for it! You won't regret it!

Profile Image for Loobielou1969.
74 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2018
Holy sh1tballs......this book is H..O..T!!! From chapter one I needed a fan to cool me down, boy are those sex scenes something else!

This book was everything I wanted in a five star read - it has the 'hook' right from the very start, it's an absolute page turner and I didn't want to put it down even when sleep was beckoning. It was literally the first thing I picked up when I woke this morning, desperate to finish it.

I loved the characters of Jake and Randi, there is an instant chemistry between them.....and of course, the sex is off-the-scale smoking hot.

Theirs is a love story that isn't sugary sweet and totally unrealistic - I don't want perfection because all relationships have flaws. I also don't enjoy books that are too angsty but for me, there was just the right amount of angst in this story.

There were some fantastic secondary characters and I hope Marie gets the chance to explore some of their stories too......there is so much potential there so fingers crossed we get more books!

I can say with absolute honesty that I totally loved Jake and Randi's story!

Profile Image for Michelle.
552 reviews44 followers
February 27, 2018
ARC REVIEWED - 5 Stars +

Crowd Pleaser is a must read for 2018, Marie James delivers a gripping storyline that pulled me in and had me reading from cover to cover without pause.

Wow!!!! Crowd Pleaser was everything I thought it would be, we go straight into the action and not the other way around the slow build up to sex, hell no we get down and dirty from the off, this book is a very hot read, passionate, funny in parts and shows that even in the year 2018 people have double standards, a guy can have fun and be a guy but a woman is a whore.

Jake & Randi are amazing character's both I fell in love with very early into this book, the friendship group they have is strong & supportive.

Highly recommended read for those looking for something different, hot, gripping, funny and well written.
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