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Ink & Chrome #1
Opening Up
The men of Twisted Steel are great with their hands.
And they're not afraid to get dirty.
Asa Barrons is never lonely for long. Co-owner of the Twisted Steel custom motorcycle shop, he works hard and plays harder. But he never allows his after-hours affairs to interfere with business-until he meets racing royalty PJ Colman. While the blue-eyed blonde is all princess on the outside, on the inside Asa can see that this woman is ready to take a walk on the wild side.
PJ knows trouble when she sees it, and Asa is the complete package: fast bike, killer ink, and a sinfully sexy smile that has her imagining things nice girls never do. She talks her way onto the Twisted Steel team to prove her painting skill, and soon learns that Asa is eager to show off some skills of his own.
With the help of Asa's expert touch, PJ is initiated into a world of wicked desire. No limits. No inhibitions. No turning back. But as perfect as their passion seems, a new challenge awaits, forcing them to ask just how far they are willing to go . . .
And they're not afraid to get dirty.
Asa Barrons is never lonely for long. Co-owner of the Twisted Steel custom motorcycle shop, he works hard and plays harder. But he never allows his after-hours affairs to interfere with business-until he meets racing royalty PJ Colman. While the blue-eyed blonde is all princess on the outside, on the inside Asa can see that this woman is ready to take a walk on the wild side.
PJ knows trouble when she sees it, and Asa is the complete package: fast bike, killer ink, and a sinfully sexy smile that has her imagining things nice girls never do. She talks her way onto the Twisted Steel team to prove her painting skill, and soon learns that Asa is eager to show off some skills of his own.
With the help of Asa's expert touch, PJ is initiated into a world of wicked desire. No limits. No inhibitions. No turning back. But as perfect as their passion seems, a new challenge awaits, forcing them to ask just how far they are willing to go . . .
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
155 people are currently reading
3649 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
112 books4,996 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
June 16, 2015
(Source: I received a finished paperback copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group.)
"Asa helped PJ off his lap and stood as well. There was no hiding how hot he was for her"
This was a sexy story, featuring a couple with piercings in some very sensitive places!
PJ really knew what she wanted in this book, and wasn’t afraid to step on toes to get what she wanted. Being the only girl in a male dominated family business seemed hard, and she did seem to be trodden on a bit, but she proved that she knew what she was talking about.
“Purple hair sold more than you did last month.”
Asa was also quite domineering, and was so sure that PJ wasn’t the right fit for him, and he was so wrong!
“You’re defiling her in your head right now, aren’t you?”
Hell yes.
The storyline in this was about PJ and Asa discovering each other, and the sexy scenes that followed! This pair were pretty hot, although I have to admit that I liked the sexy scenes more than the rest of the storyline. Asa’s piercing was also pretty sexy!!
“Wait. I want to see you put the condom on over the piercing. I should know this. For future reference.”
The ending to this was good, and I was glad that PJ and Asa got a happy ending.
6.5 out of 10
"Asa helped PJ off his lap and stood as well. There was no hiding how hot he was for her"
This was a sexy story, featuring a couple with piercings in some very sensitive places!
PJ really knew what she wanted in this book, and wasn’t afraid to step on toes to get what she wanted. Being the only girl in a male dominated family business seemed hard, and she did seem to be trodden on a bit, but she proved that she knew what she was talking about.
“Purple hair sold more than you did last month.”
Asa was also quite domineering, and was so sure that PJ wasn’t the right fit for him, and he was so wrong!
“You’re defiling her in your head right now, aren’t you?”
Hell yes.
The storyline in this was about PJ and Asa discovering each other, and the sexy scenes that followed! This pair were pretty hot, although I have to admit that I liked the sexy scenes more than the rest of the storyline. Asa’s piercing was also pretty sexy!!
“Wait. I want to see you put the condom on over the piercing. I should know this. For future reference.”
The ending to this was good, and I was glad that PJ and Asa got a happy ending.
6.5 out of 10
September 23, 2016
2.5 Gah, this was such a boring read!
Throughout the book my face was something like this:
It was so hard to get in this book! I wanted to DNF it at one point but I stuck to it and well, it was a good thing I guess. It got better... but not for long.
I really liked the characters, it's kind of the only reason I didn't DNF this. The guy was such a sweetheart and she was pretty great too, I liked how she handled everything.
But gah, this book should have been at least 100 pages shorter!
I mean, I get that the idea was to build their relationship and blah blah blah, but put something else in the meantime! There were way too many sex scenes for this book/plot, everything was only about their relationship and sex! And I get that, it's a romance book, it's supposed to focus on their relationship, but this one was too much! It was way, way too long.
I skimmed so much but I still feel like I've been reading this for ages.
Anyway, it wasn't bad (if you can get over the too-fucking-long part). You just have to be really patient when reading this one...
Throughout the book my face was something like this:
It was so hard to get in this book! I wanted to DNF it at one point but I stuck to it and well, it was a good thing I guess. It got better... but not for long.
I really liked the characters, it's kind of the only reason I didn't DNF this. The guy was such a sweetheart and she was pretty great too, I liked how she handled everything.
But gah, this book should have been at least 100 pages shorter!
I mean, I get that the idea was to build their relationship and blah blah blah, but put something else in the meantime! There were way too many sex scenes for this book/plot, everything was only about their relationship and sex! And I get that, it's a romance book, it's supposed to focus on their relationship, but this one was too much! It was way, way too long.
I skimmed so much but I still feel like I've been reading this for ages.
Anyway, it wasn't bad (if you can get over the too-fucking-long part). You just have to be really patient when reading this one...
May 5, 2019
Another book I got for free and I absolutely hated it. I read 10 pages in the beginning, 10 pages in the middle and 10 pages of the end and got the whole story. The story was as follows: PJ sees hot guy, hot guy Asa notices her back, she thinks of sleeping with him meanwhile his "cock, cock, cock" (he's not a rooster) is so hard for her. They sleep together and have passionate F'ks and 5 minutes later another f'k... can I get a F'k? Throw some amazing paint jobs and racing plots in there and BAM a story that's written by a horny 17 yr old HS boy... UGH!!! Reminds me why I hate modern romance novels. I hated the cursing, the raunchy unimaginative sex, and the cocky characters and above all the lame FAST AND THE FURIOUS uninspired plot line. It just wasn't for me.....
October 27, 2015
4.5 stars
I said, goddamn! This was so, SO GOOD. I loved PJ. She is one cool lady. And I really want an Asa for myself! Noooooom
July 4, 2015
A decadently sexy, erotic and swoony romance about a young woman trying to succeed in a man’s world and the man who unexpectedly found love in the witty, beautiful girl that took him by surprise.
Penelope Jean “PJ” Colman would love nothing more than have her father’s approval in general, but especially when it comes to her input on how to expand the family’s business. Branching out from tire sales, she’s been applying her knowledge and creativity in custom detailing, expanding her client base while doing something she loves and meeting the imposingly delicious, arrestingly attractive co-owner of Twisted Steel, Asa Barrons.
Asa Barrons has worked long and hard for everything he has. He has a thriving business, he’s able to look out for his loving mother and sisters, and more than enough female attention. He’s content with his life and isn’t looking to complicate it by mixing business with pleasure. Even if the pleasure to be had is with the incredibly beautiful, totally talented, fun, vibrant, sassy, and way too young for him PJ.
Fighting their attraction is a losing battle. How much are they willing to risk and how far will they go before they consume each other?
This book was hot, hot, swoony and did I mention scorching hot? I’m usually hesitant about picking an erotic romance for fear it will be run over with gratuitous sex, very little character development and no plot. But I’ve read and enjoyed Lauren Dane's novels before, so I didn’t hesitate with the book, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The molten attraction between PJ and Asa leaps off the pages from the very beginning, it’s amped up with each page and never lets up. There was a photo shoot scene they did together which helped build the addicting anticipation in which I thought I would combust, and had to fan myself throughout the entire story.
What made the book thoroughly enjoyable though were the magnetic characters Lauren Dane crafts, and I’m not just referring to the hero and heroine. Asa’s mother and friends and PJ’s siblings delightfully round out the story.
I constantly cheered PJ on, who had so many odds stacked against her in a male dominated family and work environment. But even with her family’s judgment and censure constantly hanging over her, she knew what she wanted, didn’t settle for anything less and fought for it. She’s self-reliant, smart and sassy. Her strong will and confidence also helped her tilt Asa’s life on its axis. Especially in the beginning when he was hesitant to give her, or rather them, a chance. I loved how she stood her ground, didn't take his nonsense and pushed back when needed.
Lauren Dane creates my favorite kind of heroes. Asa is a strong, in control, bad@ss and sexy male on the outside, but totally soft and gooey, with a big heart on the inside. His domineering, protective side was overwhelmingly exciting but the part that strives to be a better man, a better son, his tender side, which was mostly hidden but came out with PJ and his mother, was completely endearing.
I more than enjoyed the crackling sparks between them, but I also savored every bit of their romance. Linking very much how the two of them pushed and pulled, flirted, explored each other, talked to and supported one another, and found that they were a perfect fit in life, not just for sexy times.
Opening Up is book #1 in the Ink and Chrome series by Lauren Dane. It is a standalone, full-length, erotic romance filled with blazing hot scenes, family drama and lots of fun and swoon worthy moments. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance (explicit, sexual awakening)
* I was graciously given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
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"They stood there not speaking, letting that chemistry between them build. Again. It ebbed and flowed like that every time they were near each other. Playing with fire."
Penelope Jean “PJ” Colman would love nothing more than have her father’s approval in general, but especially when it comes to her input on how to expand the family’s business. Branching out from tire sales, she’s been applying her knowledge and creativity in custom detailing, expanding her client base while doing something she loves and meeting the imposingly delicious, arrestingly attractive co-owner of Twisted Steel, Asa Barrons.
"Asa was different. More intense. More everything. Having him watcher was foreplay. It made her breathless and nervous."
Asa Barrons has worked long and hard for everything he has. He has a thriving business, he’s able to look out for his loving mother and sisters, and more than enough female attention. He’s content with his life and isn’t looking to complicate it by mixing business with pleasure. Even if the pleasure to be had is with the incredibly beautiful, totally talented, fun, vibrant, sassy, and way too young for him PJ.
"He was a taciturn man. He liked to listen more than he spoke. But he loved to laugh. With her it was more than that. She didn't just make him laugh; she teased him. She made him happy in ways he hadn't realized were possible."
Fighting their attraction is a losing battle. How much are they willing to risk and how far will they go before they consume each other?
"Your father shredded your heart tonight, Penelope Jean. You told me you loved me, which means your heat is mine. I don't take kindly to things that are mine being misused. You're mine. I warned you I didn't play, and I don't. I'm deadly serious about loving you."
This book was hot, hot, swoony and did I mention scorching hot? I’m usually hesitant about picking an erotic romance for fear it will be run over with gratuitous sex, very little character development and no plot. But I’ve read and enjoyed Lauren Dane's novels before, so I didn’t hesitate with the book, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The molten attraction between PJ and Asa leaps off the pages from the very beginning, it’s amped up with each page and never lets up. There was a photo shoot scene they did together which helped build the addicting anticipation in which I thought I would combust, and had to fan myself throughout the entire story.
"Asa barely noticed them change out the jewelry beacuse then they had her straddle his lap, artfully arranging the hem of her dress to give a glimpse of stocking and the strap of her garter belt... he had to excercise iron control not to rock himself against her."
What made the book thoroughly enjoyable though were the magnetic characters Lauren Dane crafts, and I’m not just referring to the hero and heroine. Asa’s mother and friends and PJ’s siblings delightfully round out the story.
I constantly cheered PJ on, who had so many odds stacked against her in a male dominated family and work environment. But even with her family’s judgment and censure constantly hanging over her, she knew what she wanted, didn’t settle for anything less and fought for it. She’s self-reliant, smart and sassy. Her strong will and confidence also helped her tilt Asa’s life on its axis. Especially in the beginning when he was hesitant to give her, or rather them, a chance. I loved how she stood her ground, didn't take his nonsense and pushed back when needed.
He pulled her to him and danced her away from her admirers. Stealing her away all to himself. "I surrender," he said in her ear.
Lauren Dane creates my favorite kind of heroes. Asa is a strong, in control, bad@ss and sexy male on the outside, but totally soft and gooey, with a big heart on the inside. His domineering, protective side was overwhelmingly exciting but the part that strives to be a better man, a better son, his tender side, which was mostly hidden but came out with PJ and his mother, was completely endearing.
"She was his. His in a old-school way. To protect and cherish and take care of."
I more than enjoyed the crackling sparks between them, but I also savored every bit of their romance. Linking very much how the two of them pushed and pulled, flirted, explored each other, talked to and supported one another, and found that they were a perfect fit in life, not just for sexy times.
"There is nothing more beautiful than you."
"Except being seen as beautiful by you."
Opening Up is book #1 in the Ink and Chrome series by Lauren Dane. It is a standalone, full-length, erotic romance filled with blazing hot scenes, family drama and lots of fun and swoon worthy moments. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
"You totally glower. Grrr. I'm glowering. Fear my testosterone... I don't fear it. I like it. It's sexy. But I do push back if necessary."
"I'm wondering if I should tell you how hot you are when you set me straight."
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance (explicit, sexual awakening)
* I was graciously given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
June 19, 2015
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
So boring I was tempted to go looking for a stiff drink all along. Or looking for a katana and make my misery ends. At 70% I was so, so ready to have it ended I skipped most lines, paragraphs, etc. And did not loose an inch of story. Yep.
zzzzzzzzzzzz
So, contemporary romance, yes not my cup, you know the usual spiel. Still why would you want to read this book is beyond me. Nothing happens! The woe is me, I'm such a poor rich girl with an unloving father and unsupportive family is so not my heroine. Mind, she wasn't bad, she had backbone even! (and nothing much else), but hell what's with her. Or him?
I was so uninterested that all sex scenes were a chore to read. The rest too come to think of it.
Sorry I'm too bored and sleepy to waste any more time on this.
If you like Ms Dane's work, you will probably like this book too.
So boring I was tempted to go looking for a stiff drink all along. Or looking for a katana and make my misery ends. At 70% I was so, so ready to have it ended I skipped most lines, paragraphs, etc. And did not loose an inch of story. Yep.
zzzzzzzzzzzz
So, contemporary romance, yes not my cup, you know the usual spiel. Still why would you want to read this book is beyond me. Nothing happens! The woe is me, I'm such a poor rich girl with an unloving father and unsupportive family is so not my heroine. Mind, she wasn't bad, she had backbone even! (and nothing much else), but hell what's with her. Or him?
I was so uninterested that all sex scenes were a chore to read. The rest too come to think of it.
Sorry I'm too bored and sleepy to waste any more time on this.
If you like Ms Dane's work, you will probably like this book too.
June 13, 2015
5 sex cobra stars for Lauren Dane's Opening Up. I liked the premise of the story and was so glad to not be disappointed with its execution. Penelope Jean (PJ) Coleman is one hell of a character and I loved her just as much as I loved her love interest Asa Barrons. The story does well to weave both of their lives together while really showing you the struggles and strength in both of them.
PJ is from a wealthy family where her grandfather was a famous race car driver. She took from him his love of cars and can talk car with the best of them. She's also extremely talented and smart, especially for a college dropout. PJ is creative, sassy, confident, and just a little broken. She was easy to relate to and fun to watch grow on the pages.
Asa had a rough start in life and is from a struggling family. His parenting dynamic couldn't be any more different than Penelope Jean's if he tried. Asa is extremely close to his mother and siblings. He is tattooed, pierced, tall, strong, and intimidating. What makes Asa so great is that while he can be intimidating and beastly, he has a soft and warm heart for those he allows into his intimate circle.
I think what I liked best about this story is how refreshing PJ and Asa were as characters. PJ went after what she wanted and fought hard to be accepted and respected. Asa wasn't a manwhore dickhead but rather a really good guy who did what he needed to do. They both worked well together and got each other on a level that no other person could. They were like puzzle pieces finally being place together. I easily fell into the story's world and I love that. Overall, I'd say this a great Lauren Dane novel and it is worth a read.
PJ is from a wealthy family where her grandfather was a famous race car driver. She took from him his love of cars and can talk car with the best of them. She's also extremely talented and smart, especially for a college dropout. PJ is creative, sassy, confident, and just a little broken. She was easy to relate to and fun to watch grow on the pages.
Asa had a rough start in life and is from a struggling family. His parenting dynamic couldn't be any more different than Penelope Jean's if he tried. Asa is extremely close to his mother and siblings. He is tattooed, pierced, tall, strong, and intimidating. What makes Asa so great is that while he can be intimidating and beastly, he has a soft and warm heart for those he allows into his intimate circle.
I think what I liked best about this story is how refreshing PJ and Asa were as characters. PJ went after what she wanted and fought hard to be accepted and respected. Asa wasn't a manwhore dickhead but rather a really good guy who did what he needed to do. They both worked well together and got each other on a level that no other person could. They were like puzzle pieces finally being place together. I easily fell into the story's world and I love that. Overall, I'd say this a great Lauren Dane novel and it is worth a read.
June 7, 2018
4.5 Opening Up
I am a huge fan of Lauren Dane’s work. And I was so excited for this series. Let me tell you it is freaking HOT... I am talking scorching. I have listened to this series more than once but I am just now getting to the point of reviewing.
I love that PJ is her own woman, and yes she is young but she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I think she might be one of the best Heroines Lauren has ever written.
Asa is all kinds of manly smoken' hot; I would be drooling at a guy like him. His cool swagger, but it is the gruff exterior it’s just so damn hot. This is just one of those stories you have to experience for yourself.
I loved that he rejects her yep I loved that why because it was real. I know it is fiction but it is real too he had hang-ups about her age and she was awesome and showed him what he was missing.
I really liked how he was just so supportive of PJ but it was more than that she was right there supporting him right back she didn’t try and change him she just embraced him for who and what he was.
I LOVED the narration no joke it was perfect the male voice damn she made me have shivers!! The only voice I wasn’t a fan of was the one she did for PJ’s mother but other than that I loved all the voices!! She brought each character into the story in a way that was so unique.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I am a huge fan of Lauren Dane’s work. And I was so excited for this series. Let me tell you it is freaking HOT... I am talking scorching. I have listened to this series more than once but I am just now getting to the point of reviewing.
I love that PJ is her own woman, and yes she is young but she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I think she might be one of the best Heroines Lauren has ever written.
Asa is all kinds of manly smoken' hot; I would be drooling at a guy like him. His cool swagger, but it is the gruff exterior it’s just so damn hot. This is just one of those stories you have to experience for yourself.
I loved that he rejects her yep I loved that why because it was real. I know it is fiction but it is real too he had hang-ups about her age and she was awesome and showed him what he was missing.
I really liked how he was just so supportive of PJ but it was more than that she was right there supporting him right back she didn’t try and change him she just embraced him for who and what he was.
I LOVED the narration no joke it was perfect the male voice damn she made me have shivers!! The only voice I wasn’t a fan of was the one she did for PJ’s mother but other than that I loved all the voices!! She brought each character into the story in a way that was so unique.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
June 28, 2015
This is why I continue to enjoy Lauren Dane’s erotic romances. The first in her newest series—Ink & Chrome—introduces us to two well developed protagonists whose strong personalities and blazing hot chemistry threaten to set the world ablaze. Add in an engaging storyline, humorous sexy banter, and some smoking erotic love scenes and you have a romance that will hold you hostage to the very last page.
April 6, 2021
So I'm going through old books that I read years ago and rated 3 stars and up to see if I still like them or maybe like them more.
Please keep in mind, I'm still only a few years into my reading addiction. 50 Shades was my intro to smut and I have been hooked ever since. But the true addiction didn't come until I was introduced to audiobooks about 4 years ago. Now I am always (not exaggerated) listening to something, whether it be a new book, old book or just a favorite scene from my favorites.
I did enjoyed this one the 2nd time around as well. I'm not going to lie, it actually surprises me. There was no mystery, no suspense, no angst, no real drama. Just a good old happy romance book with some flogging. I can see being bored if you are looking for angst and drama.
I actually forgot this was an age gap (which is one my favorite tropes), so that was an added bonus to find out. PJ is 25 and Asa is 37. PJ is amazing, hilarious, gets pissed and gets over it which I fucking loved! Oh and this chick knows what she wants and she fucking goes for it.
Asa is your ultimate hot grease monkey/car racer/fighter and he pushes her away because he doesn't think PJ is old enough and is too innocent to understand what he wants to do to her in the bedroom.
But PJ is a persistent little thang and will fight dirty to get what she wants.
I'm pretty sure I gave this book 4 stars before because it is pretty smutastic and that is why it is staying 4 stars.
Like I said, there is not really any drama in this book, but there is enough stuff happening in the background and I loved them together so much I binged the audiobook in a day.
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Please keep in mind, I'm still only a few years into my reading addiction. 50 Shades was my intro to smut and I have been hooked ever since. But the true addiction didn't come until I was introduced to audiobooks about 4 years ago. Now I am always (not exaggerated) listening to something, whether it be a new book, old book or just a favorite scene from my favorites.
I did enjoyed this one the 2nd time around as well. I'm not going to lie, it actually surprises me. There was no mystery, no suspense, no angst, no real drama. Just a good old happy romance book with some flogging. I can see being bored if you are looking for angst and drama.
I actually forgot this was an age gap (which is one my favorite tropes), so that was an added bonus to find out. PJ is 25 and Asa is 37. PJ is amazing, hilarious, gets pissed and gets over it which I fucking loved! Oh and this chick knows what she wants and she fucking goes for it.
Asa is your ultimate hot grease monkey/car racer/fighter and he pushes her away because he doesn't think PJ is old enough and is too innocent to understand what he wants to do to her in the bedroom.
But PJ is a persistent little thang and will fight dirty to get what she wants.
I'm pretty sure I gave this book 4 stars before because it is pretty smutastic and that is why it is staying 4 stars.
Like I said, there is not really any drama in this book, but there is enough stuff happening in the background and I loved them together so much I binged the audiobook in a day.
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June 17, 2015
Ink & Chrome and blazing heat…
Asa may be taking his chances but there is no confusion with this book. It is funny, sweet, tantalizing and hot enough to break thermometers in the coldest of climates.
Asa Barrons knows who he is. As the co-owner of a specialized motorcycle shop he is stoic, quiet, capable, unconventional and driven. He is also a loving son, a fierce protector, and a man at home in a suit and on the race track.
Penelope Jane Colman is a beautiful, young and talented woman that he is afraid to allow into his life. He has a host of reasons why they should not be together but that decision is not solely up to him. His true feelings – and PJ’s – have an entirely different opinion on the matter.
I am so in love with the characters in this book! Asa is this tall, imposing figure who, at first glance, rocks the big, bad biker look. PJ is a young, talented artist who has fought her whole life to be the person she wants, and needs to be. They come from entirely different backgrounds but have so much in common it’s no wonder their hearts knew before they did!
The two together just burn as the attraction between sizzles and simmers throughout the entire story. The steamy scenes are beyond hot for sure, as the love and caring and respect between the two amps up the sensuality to the nth degree. The humour and straight talk between them had me laughing and sighing all the way through.
PJ is feisty, feisty, feisty! She’s had to battle her whole life in one way or another it seems, and she knows how to handle herself. There is conflict – man, is there conflict! – but this author knows how to create situations and scenarios that are true to life and have no hint of soapy about them. Family and friends surround, and are at the heart of, Asa and PJ’s life. I love the Twisted Steel shop and the loving, squabbling, crew that live in, and surround it. I can’t wait to revisit!
Oh and Ms. Dane, I’m going to put it out there up front; I will wash your car, fetch your coffee, walk your dogs (do you have dogs?), clean your windows… Whatever I can do to help you bring the next books in the series to life, I am there for you! ~ Diane, 5 stars
Asa may be taking his chances but there is no confusion with this book. It is funny, sweet, tantalizing and hot enough to break thermometers in the coldest of climates.
Asa Barrons knows who he is. As the co-owner of a specialized motorcycle shop he is stoic, quiet, capable, unconventional and driven. He is also a loving son, a fierce protector, and a man at home in a suit and on the race track.
Penelope Jane Colman is a beautiful, young and talented woman that he is afraid to allow into his life. He has a host of reasons why they should not be together but that decision is not solely up to him. His true feelings – and PJ’s – have an entirely different opinion on the matter.
I am so in love with the characters in this book! Asa is this tall, imposing figure who, at first glance, rocks the big, bad biker look. PJ is a young, talented artist who has fought her whole life to be the person she wants, and needs to be. They come from entirely different backgrounds but have so much in common it’s no wonder their hearts knew before they did!
The two together just burn as the attraction between sizzles and simmers throughout the entire story. The steamy scenes are beyond hot for sure, as the love and caring and respect between the two amps up the sensuality to the nth degree. The humour and straight talk between them had me laughing and sighing all the way through.
PJ is feisty, feisty, feisty! She’s had to battle her whole life in one way or another it seems, and she knows how to handle herself. There is conflict – man, is there conflict! – but this author knows how to create situations and scenarios that are true to life and have no hint of soapy about them. Family and friends surround, and are at the heart of, Asa and PJ’s life. I love the Twisted Steel shop and the loving, squabbling, crew that live in, and surround it. I can’t wait to revisit!
Oh and Ms. Dane, I’m going to put it out there up front; I will wash your car, fetch your coffee, walk your dogs (do you have dogs?), clean your windows… Whatever I can do to help you bring the next books in the series to life, I am there for you! ~ Diane, 5 stars
June 18, 2015
I love Lauren Dane's writing style. She has a way of drawing me into her stories and really investing in her characters. I always come away with the feeling that I want to hang out with that group.
PJ is straight up awesome! Now this is how a heroine should be. Strong and independent, sassy and smart yet a bit vulnerable too. She owns her sexuality and is a confident woman. No bitchiness here. She would be the perfect BFF. (She just might be my new girl crush!)
Asa is the true perfect Lauren Dane hero. He's hot, bossy as hell, snarly at times, confident and of course pierced! (Seriously who doesn't want all of that!?!). Once he got over the age difference with PJ there was no turning back. He had her back and was her biggest supporter! It was obvious he loved her beyond words. Yum!
The chemistry between Asa and PJ almost melted my kindle more than once. They are both strong willed people who really complimented each other's strengths.
Big bonus was not having that unnecessary angst to move the story along. No jealous lovers to fill pages.
PJ's siblings and Asa's friends all added a nice balance to the story too.
While the pace of this book seemed slower than Ms. Dane's other books I still enjoyed every minute of it.
Can I have Duke's book now? Hot sexy biker guy with a sexy slow drawl? Yes please!
PJ is straight up awesome! Now this is how a heroine should be. Strong and independent, sassy and smart yet a bit vulnerable too. She owns her sexuality and is a confident woman. No bitchiness here. She would be the perfect BFF. (She just might be my new girl crush!)
Asa is the true perfect Lauren Dane hero. He's hot, bossy as hell, snarly at times, confident and of course pierced! (Seriously who doesn't want all of that!?!). Once he got over the age difference with PJ there was no turning back. He had her back and was her biggest supporter! It was obvious he loved her beyond words. Yum!
The chemistry between Asa and PJ almost melted my kindle more than once. They are both strong willed people who really complimented each other's strengths.
Big bonus was not having that unnecessary angst to move the story along. No jealous lovers to fill pages.
PJ's siblings and Asa's friends all added a nice balance to the story too.
While the pace of this book seemed slower than Ms. Dane's other books I still enjoyed every minute of it.
Can I have Duke's book now? Hot sexy biker guy with a sexy slow drawl? Yes please!
June 21, 2015
3.5 Stars!!
Lauren Dane writes an super-sexy story, with a couple who have some piercings in very, um, key places!
Ms. Dane has written some of my favorite and sexiest contemporary romance novels (The Brown Family series is a favorite and highly recommended - they are totally addictive.) Opening Up is the first in her new Ink and Chrome series. The plot is light, steamy, funny, fast-paced and pretty much angst-free.
I couldn't wait to dive into this book and I read it one sitting. PJ is a young, strong-willed woman who breaks free from her overbearing family and ventures out on her own in the world off body shop painting. She meets Asa, who is older, totally domineering and sex-on-a-stick. He accepts her for who she is and their sex is, to put it mildly, off the charts. Think multiple piercings, sexy tattoos and passionate car sex!
“You’re defiling her in your head right now, aren’t you?”
Hell yes.
There is nothing too dramatic or earth shattering in this book. I loved the chemistry between PJ and Asa and you will need a fan for their scenes together. OPENING UP is the perfect summertime read to take to the pool or beach, and the secondary characters are just as enjoyable! (I cannot wait for Duke, Asa's friend, to get his story in FALLING UNDER, coming out in August. Hello! Can you say huge, tattooed and sexy?) All in all, OPENING UP is a passionate, funny, dirty and light summer read with a HEA. Enjoy!
“Wait. I want to see you put the condom on over the piercing. I should know this. For future reference.”
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren Dane writes an super-sexy story, with a couple who have some piercings in very, um, key places!
Ms. Dane has written some of my favorite and sexiest contemporary romance novels (The Brown Family series is a favorite and highly recommended - they are totally addictive.) Opening Up is the first in her new Ink and Chrome series. The plot is light, steamy, funny, fast-paced and pretty much angst-free.
I couldn't wait to dive into this book and I read it one sitting. PJ is a young, strong-willed woman who breaks free from her overbearing family and ventures out on her own in the world off body shop painting. She meets Asa, who is older, totally domineering and sex-on-a-stick. He accepts her for who she is and their sex is, to put it mildly, off the charts. Think multiple piercings, sexy tattoos and passionate car sex!
“You’re defiling her in your head right now, aren’t you?”
Hell yes.
There is nothing too dramatic or earth shattering in this book. I loved the chemistry between PJ and Asa and you will need a fan for their scenes together. OPENING UP is the perfect summertime read to take to the pool or beach, and the secondary characters are just as enjoyable! (I cannot wait for Duke, Asa's friend, to get his story in FALLING UNDER, coming out in August. Hello! Can you say huge, tattooed and sexy?) All in all, OPENING UP is a passionate, funny, dirty and light summer read with a HEA. Enjoy!
“Wait. I want to see you put the condom on over the piercing. I should know this. For future reference.”
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2015
PJ was a seriously cool chick. I want to be like her when I grow up ;) Asa was a sexy dominant alpha nice guy. I want one! :) I enjoyed this book.
March 29, 2017
Sexy af read.
Strong, sexy, intelligent, heroine with a sexy as a mother fuck hero.
Loved it hard. Love me some Dane.
Strong, sexy, intelligent, heroine with a sexy as a mother fuck hero.
Loved it hard. Love me some Dane.
June 24, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
OMG, this was a serious book. Seriously awesome! I don't really know exactly what I was expecting but this book definitely surprised me. I really loved it and it had everything I could ask for!
PJ, the heroine, was amazing. At the start of the book, she worked at her family's huge, successful tire business doing a job that was just a job. She was an artist and she wanted to branch out, which she did and I loved her bravery for doing it! She had the balls to go out and do her own thing, based on her own talents. She was also a very modern woman. She had tattoos and piercings and tried hard to not give a damn what people thought about her style. She wanted to be judged based on her talent, not her hair or her ass or the fact that she had a vagina between her legs. And how can I not love that? She had some daddy issues but her dad really did do her wrong and I could find no fault in her reactions to or her feelings about him. She was smart and irreverent and had a wicked sense of humor. There were a couple of times that she was maybe a little too cool or too smooth but her honesty and her integrity more than made up for it. She demands honesty in all things and is always true to herself. Damn, I seriously loved this woman!
Asa was literally sex on two legs, like for real! Holy crap. I had a little difficulty picturing him clearly but wow, it sounded like all of his parts really went well together! LOL! He's this bad ass bruiser looking guy who restores engines, cars, motorcycles, everything! But like a lot of bad ass heroes, he was squishy and sweet on the inside. The soft and squishy wasn't obvious at first and it took a while to see it. In fact, the best thing about Asa was that his sweetness just sort of creeped up on me and I didn't realize how sweet and squishy he was being until the heroine mentioned it. It was like, "That's just Asa." Plus, it was totally obvious that Asa was a keeper when he showed how much he loved his mom and sisters. He had a sad back story but that just made him even more appealing!
Whoa, Nelly, the Sexy Time was off the charts hot and super plentiful. I mean, for real, people! It ventured a good bit into BDSM territory with some blindfolding and spanking use implements in addition to an open palm, but I didn't feel like it was too crazy. I loved that PJ saw into the heart of Asa and knew he was worth the fight. It was funny and aggravating that Asa thought PJ was too young for him. I loved that PJ put him in his place with that nonsense right away. These two were perfect for each other!
I really loved this book... like a lot. I'm going to force Evie to read asap! LOL! So I thought this would be similar to a motorcycle club book and it wasn't. There are a couple of car shows and some shop talk but a love of car/motorcycle culture is not required. Readers WILL need a love of seriously hot Sexy Time. And they'll need to love funny and unusual heroines who take shit from no man (for the most part). Asa was definitely an alpha male but for me, I think was just about The Perfect alpha male... the standard to which all other alpha males will be judged. I definitely recommend this book. Go out and grab this one - you won't regret it!
OMG, this was a serious book. Seriously awesome! I don't really know exactly what I was expecting but this book definitely surprised me. I really loved it and it had everything I could ask for!
PJ, the heroine, was amazing. At the start of the book, she worked at her family's huge, successful tire business doing a job that was just a job. She was an artist and she wanted to branch out, which she did and I loved her bravery for doing it! She had the balls to go out and do her own thing, based on her own talents. She was also a very modern woman. She had tattoos and piercings and tried hard to not give a damn what people thought about her style. She wanted to be judged based on her talent, not her hair or her ass or the fact that she had a vagina between her legs. And how can I not love that? She had some daddy issues but her dad really did do her wrong and I could find no fault in her reactions to or her feelings about him. She was smart and irreverent and had a wicked sense of humor. There were a couple of times that she was maybe a little too cool or too smooth but her honesty and her integrity more than made up for it. She demands honesty in all things and is always true to herself. Damn, I seriously loved this woman!
Asa was literally sex on two legs, like for real! Holy crap. I had a little difficulty picturing him clearly but wow, it sounded like all of his parts really went well together! LOL! He's this bad ass bruiser looking guy who restores engines, cars, motorcycles, everything! But like a lot of bad ass heroes, he was squishy and sweet on the inside. The soft and squishy wasn't obvious at first and it took a while to see it. In fact, the best thing about Asa was that his sweetness just sort of creeped up on me and I didn't realize how sweet and squishy he was being until the heroine mentioned it. It was like, "That's just Asa." Plus, it was totally obvious that Asa was a keeper when he showed how much he loved his mom and sisters. He had a sad back story but that just made him even more appealing!
Whoa, Nelly, the Sexy Time was off the charts hot and super plentiful. I mean, for real, people! It ventured a good bit into BDSM territory with some blindfolding and spanking use implements in addition to an open palm, but I didn't feel like it was too crazy. I loved that PJ saw into the heart of Asa and knew he was worth the fight. It was funny and aggravating that Asa thought PJ was too young for him. I loved that PJ put him in his place with that nonsense right away. These two were perfect for each other!
I really loved this book... like a lot. I'm going to force Evie to read asap! LOL! So I thought this would be similar to a motorcycle club book and it wasn't. There are a couple of car shows and some shop talk but a love of car/motorcycle culture is not required. Readers WILL need a love of seriously hot Sexy Time. And they'll need to love funny and unusual heroines who take shit from no man (for the most part). Asa was definitely an alpha male but for me, I think was just about The Perfect alpha male... the standard to which all other alpha males will be judged. I definitely recommend this book. Go out and grab this one - you won't regret it!
June 19, 2015
I haven't been this excited about a new Lauren Dane book in a while, and this just makes me happy. OPENING UP is the beginning of a new series with Dane's brand of friendship that introduces you to a whole set of characters that work so well together and that you can't help but get immediately invested in.
We kick things off in the Ink and Chrome series with PJ, a girl in her twenties that comes from a family that has long been one of the leaders in the tire industry in her town. She's always wanted to find her own place in the workplace as well as in her family, but sadly hasn't had much luck with that. Her passion to expand the family business into custom paint isn't well received by her family, just as her purple hair isn't.
I loved so many things about her! She's got a tough skin from dealing with her father and uncle, who are major asses. She goes after what she loves and wants, whether it's her business or her love interest. She's independent, determined, and has a great head on her shoulders at her age. Without needing to be angsty or overtly dramatic like we often see with heroines dealing with as much as she is. She's just mature, comfortable in her own skin and totally kicks ass!
Which worked great with the fact she ends up with an older hero. Asa Barrons owns a custom motorcycle shop and ends up giving PJ custom paint jobs. His attraction to the young spit fire is instant, but he knows his passions run on the kinky side and she's way too young for it to appropriate. But let me clarify, we are talking he's in his late thirties so the age difference is not as big as I originally thought. I absolutely loved him. He's a little rough around the edges, ex military, totally alpha. Knows what he wants and doesn't feel too bad about showing it and taking it. And did I mention there's tats and piercings galore? Yum!
As I said, instant attraction burns into explosive chemistry. Asa and PJ are so perfect together in and out of the bedroom. And their bedroom kinks? Well, you won't be disappointed. I know some people may complain at times about the talk during sex scenes, but I found them so endearing that they would be comfortable enough to crack a joke or just be normal, even when they were getting their sexy on.
One thing is for certain, you need to pick up this series because it's full of soul and heart just as much as heat. Great scorching series starter, Ms. Dane! I'm hooked!
*ARC provided by publisher
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June 7, 2015
Fabulous new series from talented Ms. Dane designed to break a reader's heart. There are some stories which immediately bring a song to mind. In this one, it is Phil Collin's "You're no son of mine".
They say time is a healer
And now my wounds are not the same
I rang the bell with my heart in my mouth
I had to hear what he'd say
He sat me down to talk to me
He looked me straght in the eyes
He said:
You're no son, no son of mine
You're no son, no son of mine
You walked out, you left us behind
And you're no son, no son of mine
From Metro Lyrics
This song aptly describes PJ's situation with her father. PJ is the baby of the family. She's innovative and marches to her own drum. She is considered the black sheep of the family because of her unique ways. PJ is a wonderfully developed character who is vulnerable yet strong. Ms. Dane does an excellent job of creating a character I completely understood even if she's radically different from me. This story moved me because of PJ. I connected with her because of how she was treated by her father. I've been treated similarly by my father. Fortunately not as bad and we did reconcile. Doesn't look good for PJ in this story for a happily ever after.
At the heart of this story is a completely dysfunctional daddy and daughter relationship. It is horrible to watch and it is soul tearing to see the words and actions of a father to a daughter. Amazingly, PJ doesn't go down the path of destruction with daddy issues. Instead, she stays strong with the help of her siblings and a new lover.
The love interest plot device in this story has me mixed. Mixed because Asa Barrons is an ass. His preconceived notions and high handed decisions are hurtful and asinine. He needs a good swift kick to remove his head out of his butt. I'm mixed on this because he does turn out to be a decent guy. I'm just not sure if he is even needed in this story. I think the story would have been just as powerful and good without him. He is a distraction away from PJ's career focus. And his being in her life makes her job harder at times. I could take him or leave him in this story. Really, PJ is the only one I have eyes for. This moving story is recommended to romance lovers who understand the dilemmas of an unwanted child yearning for a parent's love and approval.
*provided by NetGalley
They say time is a healer
And now my wounds are not the same
I rang the bell with my heart in my mouth
I had to hear what he'd say
He sat me down to talk to me
He looked me straght in the eyes
He said:
You're no son, no son of mine
You're no son, no son of mine
You walked out, you left us behind
And you're no son, no son of mine
From Metro Lyrics
This song aptly describes PJ's situation with her father. PJ is the baby of the family. She's innovative and marches to her own drum. She is considered the black sheep of the family because of her unique ways. PJ is a wonderfully developed character who is vulnerable yet strong. Ms. Dane does an excellent job of creating a character I completely understood even if she's radically different from me. This story moved me because of PJ. I connected with her because of how she was treated by her father. I've been treated similarly by my father. Fortunately not as bad and we did reconcile. Doesn't look good for PJ in this story for a happily ever after.
At the heart of this story is a completely dysfunctional daddy and daughter relationship. It is horrible to watch and it is soul tearing to see the words and actions of a father to a daughter. Amazingly, PJ doesn't go down the path of destruction with daddy issues. Instead, she stays strong with the help of her siblings and a new lover.
The love interest plot device in this story has me mixed. Mixed because Asa Barrons is an ass. His preconceived notions and high handed decisions are hurtful and asinine. He needs a good swift kick to remove his head out of his butt. I'm mixed on this because he does turn out to be a decent guy. I'm just not sure if he is even needed in this story. I think the story would have been just as powerful and good without him. He is a distraction away from PJ's career focus. And his being in her life makes her job harder at times. I could take him or leave him in this story. Really, PJ is the only one I have eyes for. This moving story is recommended to romance lovers who understand the dilemmas of an unwanted child yearning for a parent's love and approval.
*provided by NetGalley
December 27, 2015
3.5 stars
'opening up' is the first book that i have read by lauren dane. i was immediately pulled in by the promise of tattooed alpha good guys who look like bad boys! they co-own and run a custom motorcycle and hot rod shop, tiwsted cycle. am i fickle? hell yes! gimme gimme. if there's one thing this girl loves it's tatted up men around muscle cars and bikes. the great thing about this book is that the author actually knew what she was talking about. i spend most of my life around men who live and breathe this type of work so when i read a book with this as a main component, it has to come off somewhat legit and lauren dane got it done! the book is told in dual pov of the main characters, penelope jean "p.j" coleman and asa barrows. i am not sure who i swooned over more, asa or the heroine p.j.
i really liked asa. he was a mans man, sort of old school in a lot of ways and a total alpha male as we all enjoy reading. he was smart, sexy and completely magnetic. he loved control but not in d-bag way. he loved his mother and sisters, he was a good guy who worked hard. p.j . was our heroine, she works for the family business selling tires, a business very well known to the public and started decades ago by her grandfather. when asa and p.j first meet at a work event, sparks fly and the UST is crazy. however, things don't move at light speed as asa feels that there is too much of an age gap. p.j is 25 and asa is 37.
p.j is starting up her own business offering custom paint work and designs, hence asa just can't seem to avoid her wherever he may be. they both hold a temptation to one another. they are pretty scorching hot. lauren dane can totally write a sex scene.
i completely loved p.j our heroine. she was strong, and intelligent and completely hard working and ambitious. she has to deal with a lot of bullshit from certain members within her family's company and in the work place in general, discrimination etc but she remained steadfast and continued to demand respect from people and worked so hard to prove herself. like many areas of the workforce, still to this day it's hard for females to gain respect in certain careers. this specific industry can be HARD for a woman but they're out there and they are BAD ASS. well done lauren dane for writing p.j they way you did.
this was an enjoyable start to a series, the next book is about duke. asa's best friend and co-owner of twisted cycle. i really liked his character and will probably be jumping right into his book next. light, fun and sexy, overall a great quick read.
'opening up' is the first book that i have read by lauren dane. i was immediately pulled in by the promise of tattooed alpha good guys who look like bad boys! they co-own and run a custom motorcycle and hot rod shop, tiwsted cycle. am i fickle? hell yes! gimme gimme. if there's one thing this girl loves it's tatted up men around muscle cars and bikes. the great thing about this book is that the author actually knew what she was talking about. i spend most of my life around men who live and breathe this type of work so when i read a book with this as a main component, it has to come off somewhat legit and lauren dane got it done! the book is told in dual pov of the main characters, penelope jean "p.j" coleman and asa barrows. i am not sure who i swooned over more, asa or the heroine p.j.
i really liked asa. he was a mans man, sort of old school in a lot of ways and a total alpha male as we all enjoy reading. he was smart, sexy and completely magnetic. he loved control but not in d-bag way. he loved his mother and sisters, he was a good guy who worked hard. p.j . was our heroine, she works for the family business selling tires, a business very well known to the public and started decades ago by her grandfather. when asa and p.j first meet at a work event, sparks fly and the UST is crazy. however, things don't move at light speed as asa feels that there is too much of an age gap. p.j is 25 and asa is 37.
p.j is starting up her own business offering custom paint work and designs, hence asa just can't seem to avoid her wherever he may be. they both hold a temptation to one another. they are pretty scorching hot. lauren dane can totally write a sex scene.
i completely loved p.j our heroine. she was strong, and intelligent and completely hard working and ambitious. she has to deal with a lot of bullshit from certain members within her family's company and in the work place in general, discrimination etc but she remained steadfast and continued to demand respect from people and worked so hard to prove herself. like many areas of the workforce, still to this day it's hard for females to gain respect in certain careers. this specific industry can be HARD for a woman but they're out there and they are BAD ASS. well done lauren dane for writing p.j they way you did.
this was an enjoyable start to a series, the next book is about duke. asa's best friend and co-owner of twisted cycle. i really liked his character and will probably be jumping right into his book next. light, fun and sexy, overall a great quick read.
Read
April 2, 2016Adore this author's work and have tried a few times to get into this one, but it's not working for me.
February 17, 2017
This sexy erotic romance is the first in the new Ink and Chrome series. Asa has pulled himself out of a challenging upbringing to be a co-partner in Twisted Steel, a custom build motorcycle shop. He's got everything he wants right now - a successful job that he loves, money in his pocket and any girl he wants. When he meets PJ, a young, sassy, car enthusiast who just so happens to be carving out her own niche as a custom detailer, he views her as off limits. She's too young for him, and he thinks his style of sex would be too much for her. But PJ has her eye on Asa too and is more than willing to give him a few chances to get things right. When they do finally connect, will the passion between them burn out quickly or lead to a deeper relationship?
This book had me entranced right from the start and a huge part of that was the character of PJ. She was such a firecracker! I loved how honest and forthright she was with Asa, showing him her interest in starting something with him right from the start and not playing any games. Her relationship with her family is complex , a different tone for each person. With her sister she's funny and friendly and they have a really easy going friendship. With her brothers she's a bit more wary and things can sometimes be tense, in particular with her older brother who won't do anything that their father might disapprove of. With her father, heartbreakingly, she has learned since a young age that no matter what she does, she won't have his approval. Her position in the family tire business is precarious as her desire for taking it in a new direction runs into a wall time and time again. But she's finally decided that she isn't going to take no for an answer and I admired her greatly for having the guts to make decisions about her future for her benefit, even at the risk of leaving the cushion of her family business.
Asa was the perfect guy - a protective alpha male, a caring son and brother, a handsome and hardworking man, and a driven competitor. It's not hard to see why PJ is drawn to him from their first meeting and though it takes her a while to wear him down, when he finally accepts that he's not going to be able to resist her, the results are fan-freaking-tastic! The sex scenes in this story are some of the hottest I've read, and include a good dash of humour as well as deeper emotional moments as they really connect. If I thought my ereader could catch fire, I would have had a fire extinguisher handy, that's how hot these two burn together.
I really enjoyed the look inside Twisted Steel and the custom build shop they have going on, as well as learning about PJ's detailing work. The guys who work at the shop were a fun group, and the camaraderie between Asa and his partner Duke, and the introduction of their friend and former military mate Mick give a little view into what we can expect next in the series. Though there are some emotional moments for PJ with respect to her relationship with her father, there isn't a lot of angst in the story or melodrama to hinder Asa and PJ's relationship. For me, it was definitely a winner and one of my favourite reads so far this year. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This book had me entranced right from the start and a huge part of that was the character of PJ. She was such a firecracker! I loved how honest and forthright she was with Asa, showing him her interest in starting something with him right from the start and not playing any games. Her relationship with her family is complex , a different tone for each person. With her sister she's funny and friendly and they have a really easy going friendship. With her brothers she's a bit more wary and things can sometimes be tense, in particular with her older brother who won't do anything that their father might disapprove of. With her father, heartbreakingly, she has learned since a young age that no matter what she does, she won't have his approval. Her position in the family tire business is precarious as her desire for taking it in a new direction runs into a wall time and time again. But she's finally decided that she isn't going to take no for an answer and I admired her greatly for having the guts to make decisions about her future for her benefit, even at the risk of leaving the cushion of her family business.
Asa was the perfect guy - a protective alpha male, a caring son and brother, a handsome and hardworking man, and a driven competitor. It's not hard to see why PJ is drawn to him from their first meeting and though it takes her a while to wear him down, when he finally accepts that he's not going to be able to resist her, the results are fan-freaking-tastic! The sex scenes in this story are some of the hottest I've read, and include a good dash of humour as well as deeper emotional moments as they really connect. If I thought my ereader could catch fire, I would have had a fire extinguisher handy, that's how hot these two burn together.
I really enjoyed the look inside Twisted Steel and the custom build shop they have going on, as well as learning about PJ's detailing work. The guys who work at the shop were a fun group, and the camaraderie between Asa and his partner Duke, and the introduction of their friend and former military mate Mick give a little view into what we can expect next in the series. Though there are some emotional moments for PJ with respect to her relationship with her father, there isn't a lot of angst in the story or melodrama to hinder Asa and PJ's relationship. For me, it was definitely a winner and one of my favourite reads so far this year. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
June 11, 2015
As a fan of Lauren Dane, I was super excited to see that she was starting a new series. The Ink and Chrome series begins its promising start with the first book, Opening Up.
Opening Up is a fairly easy read with not a lot of gasp-worthy twists and turns. I would label it as a very slow and sweet read. Yes, Dane brings the heat as she always does but the story has an even pace from beginning to end. Good on one had because you pretty much know what to expect from the story and will be happy with the happily ever after provided. Bad on the other because it lacks the high energy of many of her other novels.
Now, a word on the characters. You will fall in love with Penelope Jean Colman (aka PJ) and Asa Barrons. PJ is a free spirit and the youngest daughter of an affluent family of tire-industry moguls. Asa is a successful grease monkey who has a car and bike modification business with a few of his good friends. PJ and Asa’s worlds naturally collide because they are in similar industries. They pair experience an instant and powerful attraction for one another. PJ wants to act on it and Asa does too……….but he also doesn’t because PJ is several years younger than him. There is a bit of heavy flirting for months before the couples final give into their passions for each other. Another challenge for the couple comes in the form of PJ’s family – specifically her father. Oy! Her father will absolutely make you want to hate him. He is mean, nasty, and hateful toward PJ and makes her life miserable. But fortunately for PJ, Asa is in her corner 100% and protects her from her father’s verbal vitriol even when her family – brothers, sister, and mother – do not. There are some pretty ugly moments of engagement between PJ and her father but Asa is so there! He even chastises her siblings for not protecting PJ from her father’s toxicity. Fortunately for PJ, her family steps up to the plate and they all work together to remove her father and her equally nasty uncle from a position of power in the family company. There are a lot more details that happen in that situation, but I don’t want to ruin the story for other reviewers.
My issue with the story is primarily about the low energy of the story. There were no major moments that provided any excitement for the reader. When I said the story was even – even in that there were no peaks and valleys. No highs or lows to make the story engaging and interesting. I enjoyed the story overall; however, I missed the excitement and I kept waiting for it and hoping for it to happen. It didn’t though. Other readers may not be bothered by this but for someone who knows Dane’s writing, I was looking for and expecting a bit more…drama! Sure, there was some but not enough to keep me “IN” the story. Now, don't pass over this book because of my feelings about it. It was good! If you don’t mind a slower read, then this book will be right up your alley. I will definitely keep the series on my radar because I know that it will continue to grow and get better over time. So, my final assessment: Read it for yourself! If you are a Lauren Dane fan or looking for a new-to-you author, I recommend Opening Up to you!
Opening Up is a fairly easy read with not a lot of gasp-worthy twists and turns. I would label it as a very slow and sweet read. Yes, Dane brings the heat as she always does but the story has an even pace from beginning to end. Good on one had because you pretty much know what to expect from the story and will be happy with the happily ever after provided. Bad on the other because it lacks the high energy of many of her other novels.
Now, a word on the characters. You will fall in love with Penelope Jean Colman (aka PJ) and Asa Barrons. PJ is a free spirit and the youngest daughter of an affluent family of tire-industry moguls. Asa is a successful grease monkey who has a car and bike modification business with a few of his good friends. PJ and Asa’s worlds naturally collide because they are in similar industries. They pair experience an instant and powerful attraction for one another. PJ wants to act on it and Asa does too……….but he also doesn’t because PJ is several years younger than him. There is a bit of heavy flirting for months before the couples final give into their passions for each other. Another challenge for the couple comes in the form of PJ’s family – specifically her father. Oy! Her father will absolutely make you want to hate him. He is mean, nasty, and hateful toward PJ and makes her life miserable. But fortunately for PJ, Asa is in her corner 100% and protects her from her father’s verbal vitriol even when her family – brothers, sister, and mother – do not. There are some pretty ugly moments of engagement between PJ and her father but Asa is so there! He even chastises her siblings for not protecting PJ from her father’s toxicity. Fortunately for PJ, her family steps up to the plate and they all work together to remove her father and her equally nasty uncle from a position of power in the family company. There are a lot more details that happen in that situation, but I don’t want to ruin the story for other reviewers.
My issue with the story is primarily about the low energy of the story. There were no major moments that provided any excitement for the reader. When I said the story was even – even in that there were no peaks and valleys. No highs or lows to make the story engaging and interesting. I enjoyed the story overall; however, I missed the excitement and I kept waiting for it and hoping for it to happen. It didn’t though. Other readers may not be bothered by this but for someone who knows Dane’s writing, I was looking for and expecting a bit more…drama! Sure, there was some but not enough to keep me “IN” the story. Now, don't pass over this book because of my feelings about it. It was good! If you don’t mind a slower read, then this book will be right up your alley. I will definitely keep the series on my radar because I know that it will continue to grow and get better over time. So, my final assessment: Read it for yourself! If you are a Lauren Dane fan or looking for a new-to-you author, I recommend Opening Up to you!
February 26, 2016
To be honest I feel guilty giving Opening Up such a rating. It had one of the best female leads with PJ. I adored her, she was the type of lead I want to see more of in the romance genre. In fact, she's the main reason I read well past when I should have. Problems is I just got done reading some great books. Most importantly great books with amazing sexual chemistry, and they weren't even romance central books.
Sad truth is that Opening Up reads slow. It never really picks up and just plods along. Asa is the male lead and he could have been swapped out with any other male alpha out there. When he finally develops I had already checked out. Not to mention that Asa and PJ's chemistry would turn off and on for me. Most of the time it never reached the heights I needed it to.
Plus the writing and I did not get along. I had to reread some of the dialogue. I couldn't tell which alpha male was speaking. The flow of what some characters were saying was off, and I don't think it was slang. Not to mention that the writing is a little barren to me. For a while I kept thinking that Asa had a beard. Well over halfway it was confirmed and I kept wondering what kind of beard? The writing didn't create enough of a visual, emotions, and other key things to suck me in.
PJ interested me. I LOVED her! Not only her but her best friend and sister. I enjoyed how Opening Up addresses how being a woman, and being young, is used against you in the work environment. Working in the car industry makes it even worst. (Or a lot of other industries that are male "only".) PJ handles her self well and I love that she knows what she wants. When Asa tries to think for her, she shuts him down and tells him what's what. She knows how far she's willing to court him, and when she needs to move on. She's not afraid to tell him no. Even in the bedroom. There was an awesome scene about saying no to back door action! Ha-ha!
Fact is I would give PJ a 5/5. She's amazing, and if the book was about her and her career I would have been on board. Sadly it's a romance and Asa did not interest me. Which led to a lack of chemistry as a couple. I've read plenty of romance where the alpha male could have been swapped out for another one, but they had burning chemistry! For PJ I read this way past my quitting point. I dare say that many romance fans are going to love this book. If you are a big romance reader I insist that you give this book a try. For me though I'm tired of the genre and I need MORE. In the end I wanted to quit, but I couldn't miss experiencing more PJ. Sadly the rest of this book was boring and uninteresting.
Sexual Content: Plenty of humor. Yes, sex. Sadly I found that pretty flat except for a few comedic points that were put in. The two had no chemistry.
2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
Sad truth is that Opening Up reads slow. It never really picks up and just plods along. Asa is the male lead and he could have been swapped out with any other male alpha out there. When he finally develops I had already checked out. Not to mention that Asa and PJ's chemistry would turn off and on for me. Most of the time it never reached the heights I needed it to.
Plus the writing and I did not get along. I had to reread some of the dialogue. I couldn't tell which alpha male was speaking. The flow of what some characters were saying was off, and I don't think it was slang. Not to mention that the writing is a little barren to me. For a while I kept thinking that Asa had a beard. Well over halfway it was confirmed and I kept wondering what kind of beard? The writing didn't create enough of a visual, emotions, and other key things to suck me in.
PJ interested me. I LOVED her! Not only her but her best friend and sister. I enjoyed how Opening Up addresses how being a woman, and being young, is used against you in the work environment. Working in the car industry makes it even worst. (Or a lot of other industries that are male "only".) PJ handles her self well and I love that she knows what she wants. When Asa tries to think for her, she shuts him down and tells him what's what. She knows how far she's willing to court him, and when she needs to move on. She's not afraid to tell him no. Even in the bedroom. There was an awesome scene about saying no to back door action! Ha-ha!
Fact is I would give PJ a 5/5. She's amazing, and if the book was about her and her career I would have been on board. Sadly it's a romance and Asa did not interest me. Which led to a lack of chemistry as a couple. I've read plenty of romance where the alpha male could have been swapped out for another one, but they had burning chemistry! For PJ I read this way past my quitting point. I dare say that many romance fans are going to love this book. If you are a big romance reader I insist that you give this book a try. For me though I'm tired of the genre and I need MORE. In the end I wanted to quit, but I couldn't miss experiencing more PJ. Sadly the rest of this book was boring and uninteresting.
Sexual Content: Plenty of humor. Yes, sex. Sadly I found that pretty flat except for a few comedic points that were put in. The two had no chemistry.
2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
June 19, 2015
My Thoughts:
Opening Up is the first book that I've read by Lauren Dane. I was attracted to the beautiful book cover, as well as the summary. This story is told from the dual perspectives of the main characters, Penelope Jean "P.J." Coleman and Asa Barrons. The pacing of the story was steady.
Asa Barrons is a "manly man." One look at him and you see strong, sexy, powerful, and magnetic. He co-owns his own successful motorcycle shop, Twisted Steel, with his best friend, Duke Bradshaw. P.J. works for the family business selling tires. When Asa and P.J. see each other at a business event, sparks fly. P. J has her eye on Asa, and when she is determined, she get's what she wants. Asa is attracted to P.J's stunning beauty, sex appeal, and amazing personality, but dismisses the idea of being with someone so young. She is twenty-five, and at thirty-seven, Asa see's too much of an age gap.
However, as P.J. begins her own business offering custom paint, Asa can't avoid her; no matter how hard he tries. The temptation of the sexy and alluring P.J. proves to be too much, and eventually he gives in to a whirlwind affair of sexual bliss, love like no other, and fierce protectiveness.
My favorite aspect of Opening Up was P.J. She was a strong, intelligent, hard-working, and ambitious woman. She had to deal with discrimination in the work place, even with her own family, yet she demanded respect and wouldn't let anyone hold her back. I respected and admired P.J. She was all heart! She was a force to be reckoned with. I couldn't stand her father, uncle, and oldest brother! They acted like her opinion didn't matter because she was a female! There was that "glass ceiling," that exists in the work force for women today, especially in predominately male careers. I love that Ms. Dane brought this social issue to the forefront in her story.
Asa was a man that exuded control. I loved how while P.J. let him have control in the bedroom, she demanded equality in her relationship. She was also determined for Asa to lose the foothold on his never-ending control in all situations. These two together made a wonderful power couple. They supported each other, shared secrets, were sexually adventurous, and grew due to having each other as a significant other.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, Falling Under, which is Duke's story. I loved Duke's personality in this story. He was very loyal, easy going, and a great friend! I look forward to watching him fall in love!
My Rating:
I give, Opening Up, by Lauren Dane 3.5 Strong Woman, Sizzling Sexy Times, New Beginnings Filled Stars!!!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
Opening Up is the first book that I've read by Lauren Dane. I was attracted to the beautiful book cover, as well as the summary. This story is told from the dual perspectives of the main characters, Penelope Jean "P.J." Coleman and Asa Barrons. The pacing of the story was steady.
Asa Barrons is a "manly man." One look at him and you see strong, sexy, powerful, and magnetic. He co-owns his own successful motorcycle shop, Twisted Steel, with his best friend, Duke Bradshaw. P.J. works for the family business selling tires. When Asa and P.J. see each other at a business event, sparks fly. P. J has her eye on Asa, and when she is determined, she get's what she wants. Asa is attracted to P.J's stunning beauty, sex appeal, and amazing personality, but dismisses the idea of being with someone so young. She is twenty-five, and at thirty-seven, Asa see's too much of an age gap.
However, as P.J. begins her own business offering custom paint, Asa can't avoid her; no matter how hard he tries. The temptation of the sexy and alluring P.J. proves to be too much, and eventually he gives in to a whirlwind affair of sexual bliss, love like no other, and fierce protectiveness.
My favorite aspect of Opening Up was P.J. She was a strong, intelligent, hard-working, and ambitious woman. She had to deal with discrimination in the work place, even with her own family, yet she demanded respect and wouldn't let anyone hold her back. I respected and admired P.J. She was all heart! She was a force to be reckoned with. I couldn't stand her father, uncle, and oldest brother! They acted like her opinion didn't matter because she was a female! There was that "glass ceiling," that exists in the work force for women today, especially in predominately male careers. I love that Ms. Dane brought this social issue to the forefront in her story.
Asa was a man that exuded control. I loved how while P.J. let him have control in the bedroom, she demanded equality in her relationship. She was also determined for Asa to lose the foothold on his never-ending control in all situations. These two together made a wonderful power couple. They supported each other, shared secrets, were sexually adventurous, and grew due to having each other as a significant other.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, Falling Under, which is Duke's story. I loved Duke's personality in this story. He was very loyal, easy going, and a great friend! I look forward to watching him fall in love!
My Rating:
I give, Opening Up, by Lauren Dane 3.5 Strong Woman, Sizzling Sexy Times, New Beginnings Filled Stars!!!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
May 24, 2015
I really like pj from the first moment she was Introduced but Asa took a little bit longer to like. The more I read the more I started to see his appeal and liked him a whole lot more.
When the book starts out you can see the pull these two have towards one another and although they are both interested Asa hold back because he thinks she is too young for him. They become friends of sorts and flirt but after one night together it isn't enough for either one of them.
Meanwhile pj has quit the family business to do her real passion which is custom paint and Asa and his co owner duke are having her work in their shop. On the day she quits the family business Asa puts a hold on their relationship and pj is determined to show him what he is missing.
I loved how strong and open minded pj was. Although Asa is used to different things in the bedroom pj is willing to try them and trust herself with him. I love how their relationship progressed at suitable pace and it wasn't rushed. Although they are both working through somethings Asa is so supportive and sweet. You can feel the love they have not only through the emotions of the past but through how much they bond and believe in one another.
Dane brings special characteristics to each and every character. I could picture them all as I was reading. The sex scenes are hot and heavy. Dane does not disappoint.
I liked the storyline and how it went but towards the end I was kind of disappointed on how it played out. It felt like somethings were resolved but yet things weren't with the family.
Since pjs brothers and sister are introduced I was hoping they would get there own books and hopefully they will in the future but I have a feeling the next two books will be about duke and mick since they are all friends. I am excited to read more of this series.
When the book starts out you can see the pull these two have towards one another and although they are both interested Asa hold back because he thinks she is too young for him. They become friends of sorts and flirt but after one night together it isn't enough for either one of them.
Meanwhile pj has quit the family business to do her real passion which is custom paint and Asa and his co owner duke are having her work in their shop. On the day she quits the family business Asa puts a hold on their relationship and pj is determined to show him what he is missing.
I loved how strong and open minded pj was. Although Asa is used to different things in the bedroom pj is willing to try them and trust herself with him. I love how their relationship progressed at suitable pace and it wasn't rushed. Although they are both working through somethings Asa is so supportive and sweet. You can feel the love they have not only through the emotions of the past but through how much they bond and believe in one another.
Dane brings special characteristics to each and every character. I could picture them all as I was reading. The sex scenes are hot and heavy. Dane does not disappoint.
I liked the storyline and how it went but towards the end I was kind of disappointed on how it played out. It felt like somethings were resolved but yet things weren't with the family.
Since pjs brothers and sister are introduced I was hoping they would get there own books and hopefully they will in the future but I have a feeling the next two books will be about duke and mick since they are all friends. I am excited to read more of this series.
June 17, 2015
Asa Barrons doesn’t like mixing business with pleasure but denying the attraction isn’t working out all that well in this enticing contemporary romance.
PJ is looking to expand the company’s reach even if her family doesn’t support her and working with the sexy Asa won’t be any hardship and the reader can’t help but get drawn into the lives of these two very dynamic characters that demand attention while both have some troubling issues that seems to get in the way of the relationship, the chemistry is off the charts with some blistering hot sex scenes that take a walk on the kinky side. The steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers completely enthralled with suspense, turmoil and romance while the turmoil itself speaks to the heart.
Tension and excitement build throughout the story as the couple struggle with outside influences as well their own personal concerns all while the growing passion pull them closer together. Friends and family cause quite a bit of excitement and drama in this story as well which adds lots of spice and the setting adds its own special touch that puts this romance on the fast track to hotness in no time flat. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life while the well-orchestrated events ensure that the reader can’t put the story down until they have read every last detail.
Lauren Dane has a gift for giving her characters vibrant life and charismatic personalities that really stand out and this new series has the added bonus of taking place in an energetic world where the readers can easily get absorbed and not want to leave. I know I was completely spellbound by Asa and PJ and I can’t wait to get know some of the other Ink and Chrome characters as well.
- Eva
PJ is looking to expand the company’s reach even if her family doesn’t support her and working with the sexy Asa won’t be any hardship and the reader can’t help but get drawn into the lives of these two very dynamic characters that demand attention while both have some troubling issues that seems to get in the way of the relationship, the chemistry is off the charts with some blistering hot sex scenes that take a walk on the kinky side. The steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers completely enthralled with suspense, turmoil and romance while the turmoil itself speaks to the heart.
Tension and excitement build throughout the story as the couple struggle with outside influences as well their own personal concerns all while the growing passion pull them closer together. Friends and family cause quite a bit of excitement and drama in this story as well which adds lots of spice and the setting adds its own special touch that puts this romance on the fast track to hotness in no time flat. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life while the well-orchestrated events ensure that the reader can’t put the story down until they have read every last detail.
Lauren Dane has a gift for giving her characters vibrant life and charismatic personalities that really stand out and this new series has the added bonus of taking place in an energetic world where the readers can easily get absorbed and not want to leave. I know I was completely spellbound by Asa and PJ and I can’t wait to get know some of the other Ink and Chrome characters as well.
- Eva
October 19, 2017
Opening Up is the 1st book in the Ink & Chrome trilogy by Lauren Dane. This story introduces us to main characters PJ and Asa.
This book has been sitting on my TBR shelf forever-and after finally picking it up, I am so disappointed in myself that I had let this book sit unread for so long.
Opening Up is my first book by Lauren Dane. While I own a few titles by her, this was my first time actually reading one, and what an experience it was! I absolutely loved every single minute, page, chapter of this book. Dane has a wonderful storytelling voice and was also able to create a creative story, and amazing characters.
I absolutely loved how the characters in this story were rough around the edges, not cookie-cutter, tattooed, had piercings and an array of other qualities. I quickly fell in love with PJ and Asa and all of the other characters. Once I started this story I couldn't put it down and quickly devoured it. Now I can't wait to read the next book Falling Under and exploring more titles by Dane. Hopefully I enjoy her other books just as much because it's looking like Dane just shot to the top of my favorites.
This book has been sitting on my TBR shelf forever-and after finally picking it up, I am so disappointed in myself that I had let this book sit unread for so long.
Opening Up is my first book by Lauren Dane. While I own a few titles by her, this was my first time actually reading one, and what an experience it was! I absolutely loved every single minute, page, chapter of this book. Dane has a wonderful storytelling voice and was also able to create a creative story, and amazing characters.
I absolutely loved how the characters in this story were rough around the edges, not cookie-cutter, tattooed, had piercings and an array of other qualities. I quickly fell in love with PJ and Asa and all of the other characters. Once I started this story I couldn't put it down and quickly devoured it. Now I can't wait to read the next book Falling Under and exploring more titles by Dane. Hopefully I enjoy her other books just as much because it's looking like Dane just shot to the top of my favorites.
July 14, 2020
WOOT Lauren is back to writing Erotic Romance. If you're a fan of her Brown Siblings, Delicious, Phantom Corps, Federation Chronicles series then you will LOVE this book. It has everything we love about Dane's writing, snarky heroes, even snarkier heroines who bust their balls and call them on their crap. Lots of hot smoldering moments.
I can't wait to see what else she has in store for these guys.
I can't wait to see what else she has in store for these guys.
July 21, 2015
Great story with extremely likable characters. I'm so excited for the next book!!!
May 29, 2022
Really enjoyed this one. Sexy, feminist novel. Central plot is about proving one's worth as a young, attractive woman in a male dominated industry, but also about setting healthy personal boundaries. Some BDSM but not what I would classify as a BDSM book; I like that when PJ told Asa she wasn't into something he respected her for it and didn't push her. The characters have great chemistry and banter and the comic best friends were actually funny. Compelling plot. Fun book, will definitely read on in the series.
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