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Mechanics of Love #1
Dirty Thoughts: Jenna & Cal
Some things are sexier the second time around.
Cal Payton has gruff and grumbly down to an art...all the better for keeping people away. And it usually works. Until Jenna MacMillan-his biggest mistake---walks into Payton and Sons mechanic shop all grown up, looking like sunshine, and inspiring more than a few dirty thoughts.
Jenna was sure she was long over the boy she'd once loved with reckless abandon, but one look at the steel-eyed Cal Payton has her falling apart all over again. Ten years may have passed, but the pull is stronger than ever... and this Cal is all man.
Cal may have no intention of letting Jenna in, but she's always been his light, and it's getting harder to stay all alone in the dark. When a surprise from the past changes everything, Cal and Jenna must decide if their connection should be left alone or if it's exactly what they need for the future of their dreams.
Cal Payton has gruff and grumbly down to an art...all the better for keeping people away. And it usually works. Until Jenna MacMillan-his biggest mistake---walks into Payton and Sons mechanic shop all grown up, looking like sunshine, and inspiring more than a few dirty thoughts.
Jenna was sure she was long over the boy she'd once loved with reckless abandon, but one look at the steel-eyed Cal Payton has her falling apart all over again. Ten years may have passed, but the pull is stronger than ever... and this Cal is all man.
Cal may have no intention of letting Jenna in, but she's always been his light, and it's getting harder to stay all alone in the dark. When a surprise from the past changes everything, Cal and Jenna must decide if their connection should be left alone or if it's exactly what they need for the future of their dreams.
Paperback
First published June 16, 2015
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1930 people want to read
About the author
Megan Erickson
50 books1,845 followersMegan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
June 24, 2015
4.5 dirty stars!
An emotionally satisfying second chance love story between the sexy, gruff mechanic, Cal and the feisty and loyal Jenna. We met Cal and the rest of the Payton brothers in Make it Right as Max's older brother.
Cal has a giant chip on his shoulder due to the fact that their mother left leaving Cal to deal with the aftermath. He basically raised Brent and Max because his father mentally and emotionally checked out on them. It was a huge responsibility to carry but when he met Jenna McMillan in high school, she had helped him deal and made him happy. But that didn't last, and the toll of taking care of his brothers and having to deal with his father made him bitter. He doesn't want a family anymore. He's done. All he wants is some peace and quite.
Then Jenna comes roaring back into his life, bringing with her memories and regrets from the past. The attraction is still there as well as those pesky feelings he was trying his damnedest to suppress. Not only that, Cal also had to deal with the appearance of a family member he doesn't know about.
One of the many things I enjoyed about this book is Cal and Jenna. They fell in love while they were wrong and their age and social status worked against them. The second time they met, they were two different people. They have lived a little. And while they still had a lot of issues to deal with individually, they have both matured. I liked that. Sometimes, with second chance romances, I find myself frustrated because the MCs are still stuck in that high school or whatever phase they were on when they broke up. Both characters have truly grown up.
The sexual tension as well as the chemistry between Jenna and Cal was palpable. I was torn between wanting to clobber Cal with my Kindle or give him a hug because the man clearly has issues. I understood why he felt like he has nothing to give anymore. It took quite a while for him to see how wrong he was but it was all worth it in the end. And even during the time when he was pushing Jenna away, as the reader, I know he's not doing it to be petty or mean. He really thought he was doing her a favor. And Cal is such a good and honorable guy. Frustratingly so, I might add.
I also found myself really rooting for Jenna because the woman has patience. But despite her feelings for him, she never allowed him to walk all over her. I wish I had gotten more of her back story with her family though. It was in the books but it wasn't really front and center like it was with Cal's. I did love her friendship with Delilah.
It would be very remiss of me if I don't mention the amusing banter between the Payton brothers. While I loved Cal, I think Brent has a bit of an edge because duh, any guy who sings to Guns N Roses is automatic winner in my book. I can't wait for his book. They weren't a perfect family but it was very obvious they loved each other. Jenna's family wasn't in it as much mainly because this was primarily Cal's journey, IMO. We do get Jenna's POV but I have to admit, Cal's voice was stronger compared to Jenna's. And I must give credit to Megan Erickson for this because this lady writes flawless male POVs.
Definitely another great start to a series worth investing in. Up next is Brent, and oh boy, he's going to be a handful to say the least.
ARC provided by Megan Erickson in exchange for an honest review.
An emotionally satisfying second chance love story between the sexy, gruff mechanic, Cal and the feisty and loyal Jenna. We met Cal and the rest of the Payton brothers in Make it Right as Max's older brother.
Cal has a giant chip on his shoulder due to the fact that their mother left leaving Cal to deal with the aftermath. He basically raised Brent and Max because his father mentally and emotionally checked out on them. It was a huge responsibility to carry but when he met Jenna McMillan in high school, she had helped him deal and made him happy. But that didn't last, and the toll of taking care of his brothers and having to deal with his father made him bitter. He doesn't want a family anymore. He's done. All he wants is some peace and quite.
Then Jenna comes roaring back into his life, bringing with her memories and regrets from the past. The attraction is still there as well as those pesky feelings he was trying his damnedest to suppress. Not only that, Cal also had to deal with the appearance of a family member he doesn't know about.
One of the many things I enjoyed about this book is Cal and Jenna. They fell in love while they were wrong and their age and social status worked against them. The second time they met, they were two different people. They have lived a little. And while they still had a lot of issues to deal with individually, they have both matured. I liked that. Sometimes, with second chance romances, I find myself frustrated because the MCs are still stuck in that high school or whatever phase they were on when they broke up. Both characters have truly grown up.
The sexual tension as well as the chemistry between Jenna and Cal was palpable. I was torn between wanting to clobber Cal with my Kindle or give him a hug because the man clearly has issues. I understood why he felt like he has nothing to give anymore. It took quite a while for him to see how wrong he was but it was all worth it in the end. And even during the time when he was pushing Jenna away, as the reader, I know he's not doing it to be petty or mean. He really thought he was doing her a favor. And Cal is such a good and honorable guy. Frustratingly so, I might add.
I also found myself really rooting for Jenna because the woman has patience. But despite her feelings for him, she never allowed him to walk all over her. I wish I had gotten more of her back story with her family though. It was in the books but it wasn't really front and center like it was with Cal's. I did love her friendship with Delilah.
It would be very remiss of me if I don't mention the amusing banter between the Payton brothers. While I loved Cal, I think Brent has a bit of an edge because duh, any guy who sings to Guns N Roses is automatic winner in my book. I can't wait for his book. They weren't a perfect family but it was very obvious they loved each other. Jenna's family wasn't in it as much mainly because this was primarily Cal's journey, IMO. We do get Jenna's POV but I have to admit, Cal's voice was stronger compared to Jenna's. And I must give credit to Megan Erickson for this because this lady writes flawless male POVs.
Definitely another great start to a series worth investing in. Up next is Brent, and oh boy, he's going to be a handful to say the least.
ARC provided by Megan Erickson in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2015
4.5 Stars!!
I love second chance romance stories so when I heard about Megan Erickson’s new series I was really excited. This was my second book by this author after a sweet and I can totally say she’s a great storyteller. The story was engaging from start to finish and made me smile, swoon and root for the two main characters.
Jenna MacMillan left town ten years ago after she graduated high school. She finished college and worked all this time in New York. She never planned to return home, wanting to to stay there, but as time went on she realized she wasn’t happy. She gets a new opportunity to change something in her life when her father seeks her help. His company has some problems with the public relations department and Jenna is the one who has to solve everything since she will be the new publicity director. So she returns to her home town.
Cal Payton is a mechanic. His mother abandoned him, his father and his two younger brothers when he was just a kid. He practically raised his siblings so he’s not looking forward to start a family or to get involved in a serious relationship. He's tired of everything, he doesn’t need more responsibilities than he already has and he’s good at keeping people away. He is content with what he has. Until she finds out Jenna is back in town..and this time for good, until he sees her..
Jenna and Cal were in a happy relationship in high school until certain circumstances torn them apart. Both of them are changed, neither of them expected to feel something for the other, not anymore after all this time and neither of them expected the attraction between them to be hotter than ever.
Cal doesn’t want to feel responsible for someone, he doesn’t want to feel what he STILL feels for Jenna. He doesn’t want to remember how good they were together, but as much as he tries to stay away, he can’t. He tries to lie to himself, but he realizes he needs his SUNSHINE more than anything. But they want different things - while Jenna wants to start a family, Cal wants to stay a bachelor.
Will Cal realize that he can have everything he ever wanted if he opens his heart and let the SUNSHINE in?
What a fantastic read this turned out to be. It was such an entertaining read and I loved every minute of it. While the premise it’s nothing new, the execution was stellar. It wasn’t as emotional as I expected to be, but it was sexy and cute which was fine by me. It wasn’t boring and it wasn’t heavy in angst and drama like most of the books with this premise.
Both Cal and Jenna were great, endearing characters. I really felt in love with them. Jenna was a great heroine. She’s smart, sweet and so patient. I loved her from the beginning and I loved her perseverance and the doesn't pushes Cal in any way. Cal is stubborn and grumpy, but despite that he was an endearing character. He’s hardworking, loyal, he loves what he does for a living and he loves his family dearly. He has a huge heart, he’s hot as hell, but obviously he has his own flaws.
As for the supportive characters, what can I say – simply fantastic, likeable and engaging. I loved all the interactions in this book – between Cal and Jenna, between Call and his two brothers and between the newest addition in Cal’s family and everyone else. The family dynamic was so great. The banter between all them was fantastically done and the bickering (esp. between the brothers) made me smile and grin more times that I can count.
Cal and Jenna’s romance was wonderful. They were good together and I really felt they love, they connection and their chemistry and sexual tension between them..WOW..so palpable and so well done. They completed each other in such a fantastic way. The sexy times are of the chart. They were sexy, a little intense, a little emotional..just perfect.
So..if you’re looking for a sexy and fun second chance romance with great, engaging characters, witty banter and great writing, look no further. “Dirty Thoughts” was exactly that and more. Can’t wait to read the next books in the series!
I love second chance romance stories so when I heard about Megan Erickson’s new series I was really excited. This was my second book by this author after a sweet and I can totally say she’s a great storyteller. The story was engaging from start to finish and made me smile, swoon and root for the two main characters.
Jenna MacMillan left town ten years ago after she graduated high school. She finished college and worked all this time in New York. She never planned to return home, wanting to to stay there, but as time went on she realized she wasn’t happy. She gets a new opportunity to change something in her life when her father seeks her help. His company has some problems with the public relations department and Jenna is the one who has to solve everything since she will be the new publicity director. So she returns to her home town.
Cal Payton is a mechanic. His mother abandoned him, his father and his two younger brothers when he was just a kid. He practically raised his siblings so he’s not looking forward to start a family or to get involved in a serious relationship. He's tired of everything, he doesn’t need more responsibilities than he already has and he’s good at keeping people away. He is content with what he has. Until she finds out Jenna is back in town..and this time for good, until he sees her..
“She took her gaze away from him before he realized that she was staring. Because dirty thoughts about Cal while she was alone was one thing, but dirty thoughts about him while he was sitting within touching distance felt . . . well . . . dirty.”
Jenna and Cal were in a happy relationship in high school until certain circumstances torn them apart. Both of them are changed, neither of them expected to feel something for the other, not anymore after all this time and neither of them expected the attraction between them to be hotter than ever.
“You still get this wet for me?” His voice came through clenched teeth.
“What does it feel like?” she gasped.
“Feels like my Sunshine.”
Cal doesn’t want to feel responsible for someone, he doesn’t want to feel what he STILL feels for Jenna. He doesn’t want to remember how good they were together, but as much as he tries to stay away, he can’t. He tries to lie to himself, but he realizes he needs his SUNSHINE more than anything. But they want different things - while Jenna wants to start a family, Cal wants to stay a bachelor.
Will Cal realize that he can have everything he ever wanted if he opens his heart and let the SUNSHINE in?
What a fantastic read this turned out to be. It was such an entertaining read and I loved every minute of it. While the premise it’s nothing new, the execution was stellar. It wasn’t as emotional as I expected to be, but it was sexy and cute which was fine by me. It wasn’t boring and it wasn’t heavy in angst and drama like most of the books with this premise.
Both Cal and Jenna were great, endearing characters. I really felt in love with them. Jenna was a great heroine. She’s smart, sweet and so patient. I loved her from the beginning and I loved her perseverance and the doesn't pushes Cal in any way. Cal is stubborn and grumpy, but despite that he was an endearing character. He’s hardworking, loyal, he loves what he does for a living and he loves his family dearly. He has a huge heart, he’s hot as hell, but obviously he has his own flaws.
As for the supportive characters, what can I say – simply fantastic, likeable and engaging. I loved all the interactions in this book – between Cal and Jenna, between Call and his two brothers and between the newest addition in Cal’s family and everyone else. The family dynamic was so great. The banter between all them was fantastically done and the bickering (esp. between the brothers) made me smile and grin more times that I can count.
Cal and Jenna’s romance was wonderful. They were good together and I really felt they love, they connection and their chemistry and sexual tension between them..WOW..so palpable and so well done. They completed each other in such a fantastic way. The sexy times are of the chart. They were sexy, a little intense, a little emotional..just perfect.
So..if you’re looking for a sexy and fun second chance romance with great, engaging characters, witty banter and great writing, look no further. “Dirty Thoughts” was exactly that and more. Can’t wait to read the next books in the series!
July 3, 2015
3.75 Stars
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This is my first book by this author and I truly enjoyed the author's writing style. I found this story to be on the light and quick read side. Cal works with his father and brothers in their automotive shop called Payton and Sons. Cal, being the oldest of the brothers has pretty much raised all his younger siblings, had his heartbroken as a teenager and his happy not being involved with anyone. That is until the day that his high school girlfriend waltzes into his shop after ten years.
”She had been everything to him once, in a way no one had been before or after.”
Cal struggles with his feelings for Jenna and still insisting that he isn’t cut out to give her the future she still dreams of. The two get pretty hot and heavy, then the author tosses some drama in the form of Jenna’s douche of a brother and a sixteen year old stepbrother who no one knew existed.
Cal took his time coming around to the fact that a future with Jenna is all he really wants and learns that he’s no where near tapped out and has so much more to give and his Sunshine is all he'll ever want.
"I'm opening my eyes, Jenna. I swear I am. But it's taking my eyes a while to adjust in the light."
Cal was pretty stubborn but likable while the side characters were interesting enough to definitely carry on with future books in the series. Overall this was a good read if you’re looking for something on the light and sexy side with a dose of family drama.
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This is my first book by this author and I truly enjoyed the author's writing style. I found this story to be on the light and quick read side. Cal works with his father and brothers in their automotive shop called Payton and Sons. Cal, being the oldest of the brothers has pretty much raised all his younger siblings, had his heartbroken as a teenager and his happy not being involved with anyone. That is until the day that his high school girlfriend waltzes into his shop after ten years.
”She had been everything to him once, in a way no one had been before or after.”
Cal struggles with his feelings for Jenna and still insisting that he isn’t cut out to give her the future she still dreams of. The two get pretty hot and heavy, then the author tosses some drama in the form of Jenna’s douche of a brother and a sixteen year old stepbrother who no one knew existed.
Cal took his time coming around to the fact that a future with Jenna is all he really wants and learns that he’s no where near tapped out and has so much more to give and his Sunshine is all he'll ever want.
"I'm opening my eyes, Jenna. I swear I am. But it's taking my eyes a while to adjust in the light."
Cal was pretty stubborn but likable while the side characters were interesting enough to definitely carry on with future books in the series. Overall this was a good read if you’re looking for something on the light and sexy side with a dose of family drama.
June 16, 2015
Cal and Jenna were hot and heavy and lovey-dovey in high school but things didn’t last. Jenna’s very wealthy family never meshed well with Cal’s blue-collared mechanic family, and Jenna left for New York City, and left Cal behind. But Jenna never found peace and happiness in the city, and ten years later decides to move back to her hometown and take a PR job in her family’s company.
Cal is a grump and boy do I love a grumpy hero. Cal’s mother abandoned him and his two brothers when he was young, and Cal ended up raising his siblings with his not so present father. Cal feels like he has all ready lived an entire adult life, and never wants to get married or have a family of his own. He goes to work with his dad and brothers at their auto repair shop, comes home and enjoys the quiet of his own house. He wants nothing else in life. Then Jenna moves back to town and guess what? She has car problems. Cal helps her out and all those darn feelings from ten years ago rush back to the surface. They revert back to their physical lusting quick – but it’s those pesky emotional feelings that Cal has to take on slowly.
I really enjoyed this book – as I mentioned Cal is a grumpy hero and those appeal to me for some reason. He is blue-collared, and smokes, and has a redneck tan and is hot as hell. I loved Jenna too. She comes back to town and fully accepts her feelings for Cal, but she knows him well. She knows how hard it is for him to let his guard down and let her in. She knows he is not the same as he was when he was eighteen and impulsive. And she knows how much of a man he is now.
He licked his lips, his eyes still on his lap. “Lift up your dress, Jenna.”
Her breath left her lungs on a whoosh. His voice was low and firm and so confident. This was what he’d been lacking when they were teenagers and frankly, this was what every man after him had been lacking too.
She doesn’t push for more, but she doesn’t scamper away either. She knows Cal is stubborn and when he eventually does let her in, it’s so sweet. They have great chemistry together and even though they fall into bed quick in this one, their journey to finding peace to make their relationship work in the long-run is well done. Their bickering is almost as fun as their sexy times:
I know they’re brownies. What’re they for?”
“They aren’t for anything. It’s just a box of brownie mix.”
“If they aren’t for anything, then why are they in my cart?”
Asher’s head was shifting back and forth between the two of them. Jenna fought her irritation. “Because everyone should have brownie mix on hand. It’s like Keeping House 101.”
Cal leaned back and placed a hand on his chest. “Well, damn. No one told me that. I guess I’ve been failing Keeping House 101 for ten fucking years then.” “Can you not swear in the baked goods aisle, Cal?”
“Can you not throw random shit we don’t need in the cart?”
She threw up her hands. “Fine, put the brownies back on the shelf. I don’t care.”
Cal studied the boxes in front of him and then placed the brownies Jenna had picked back on the shelf. She watched, arms over her chest, as he picked up a box labeled Chocolate Chunk and tossed that in his cart instead.
He looked at her with raised eyebrows.
She tapped her fingers on her elbows. “Really?”
He drew an imaginary check mark in the air. “Chocolate Chunk beats Ultimate Fudge. Just saying.”
Other highlights of this book: Cal’s younger brother Brent is a riot. He gives Cal the hardest time and it made me laugh and laugh. He never stops talking, and he knows exactly what to say to needle Cal. His book is next and I can’t wait to see what kind of woman can put up with him.
There is also a surprise guest that falls into Cal’s life and I loved this addition. He adds so much to this story. You’ll have to read the book to find out who I’m talking about – but he gave me all the smiles.
A very sexy, strong contemporary romance. Excited for this series.
Rating: B+
Cal is a grump and boy do I love a grumpy hero. Cal’s mother abandoned him and his two brothers when he was young, and Cal ended up raising his siblings with his not so present father. Cal feels like he has all ready lived an entire adult life, and never wants to get married or have a family of his own. He goes to work with his dad and brothers at their auto repair shop, comes home and enjoys the quiet of his own house. He wants nothing else in life. Then Jenna moves back to town and guess what? She has car problems. Cal helps her out and all those darn feelings from ten years ago rush back to the surface. They revert back to their physical lusting quick – but it’s those pesky emotional feelings that Cal has to take on slowly.
I really enjoyed this book – as I mentioned Cal is a grumpy hero and those appeal to me for some reason. He is blue-collared, and smokes, and has a redneck tan and is hot as hell. I loved Jenna too. She comes back to town and fully accepts her feelings for Cal, but she knows him well. She knows how hard it is for him to let his guard down and let her in. She knows he is not the same as he was when he was eighteen and impulsive. And she knows how much of a man he is now.
He licked his lips, his eyes still on his lap. “Lift up your dress, Jenna.”
Her breath left her lungs on a whoosh. His voice was low and firm and so confident. This was what he’d been lacking when they were teenagers and frankly, this was what every man after him had been lacking too.
She doesn’t push for more, but she doesn’t scamper away either. She knows Cal is stubborn and when he eventually does let her in, it’s so sweet. They have great chemistry together and even though they fall into bed quick in this one, their journey to finding peace to make their relationship work in the long-run is well done. Their bickering is almost as fun as their sexy times:
I know they’re brownies. What’re they for?”
“They aren’t for anything. It’s just a box of brownie mix.”
“If they aren’t for anything, then why are they in my cart?”
Asher’s head was shifting back and forth between the two of them. Jenna fought her irritation. “Because everyone should have brownie mix on hand. It’s like Keeping House 101.”
Cal leaned back and placed a hand on his chest. “Well, damn. No one told me that. I guess I’ve been failing Keeping House 101 for ten fucking years then.” “Can you not swear in the baked goods aisle, Cal?”
“Can you not throw random shit we don’t need in the cart?”
She threw up her hands. “Fine, put the brownies back on the shelf. I don’t care.”
Cal studied the boxes in front of him and then placed the brownies Jenna had picked back on the shelf. She watched, arms over her chest, as he picked up a box labeled Chocolate Chunk and tossed that in his cart instead.
He looked at her with raised eyebrows.
She tapped her fingers on her elbows. “Really?”
He drew an imaginary check mark in the air. “Chocolate Chunk beats Ultimate Fudge. Just saying.”
Other highlights of this book: Cal’s younger brother Brent is a riot. He gives Cal the hardest time and it made me laugh and laugh. He never stops talking, and he knows exactly what to say to needle Cal. His book is next and I can’t wait to see what kind of woman can put up with him.
There is also a surprise guest that falls into Cal’s life and I loved this addition. He adds so much to this story. You’ll have to read the book to find out who I’m talking about – but he gave me all the smiles.
A very sexy, strong contemporary romance. Excited for this series.
Rating: B+
July 2, 2015
ARC provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
June 17, 2015
Skimmed through it but it feels more like a DNF.
Second chance romances rarely work for me so I guess I shouldn't even have been surprised.
The H pushed the h away and kept a wall between them till 70% when he finally decides to pursue her and "try" dating her. That lasted for a couple of pages before shit happens and he "can't do this anymore." Then all of a sudden he has an epiphany on how much on an idiot he's been a makes a "grand" gesture at the end that the h eats up.
I have read this storyline a million times before and it wasn't any better this time around.
I like reading about H's who chase and pursue and don't act like pussy cowards for the whole damn book. He was constantly thinking about how it's never gonna work out, how he can't give the h the family she wants b/c he has raised his 2 younger brothers and is burnt out, blah, blah, blah. So many excuses. I wanted him to man up.
I also wanted the h to go out and date someone else so badly! Make this idiot hero jealous and let him know that you won't be waiting around for his pathetic ass forever.
Overall, a very frustrating read.
Second chance romances rarely work for me so I guess I shouldn't even have been surprised.
The H pushed the h away and kept a wall between them till 70% when he finally decides to pursue her and "try" dating her. That lasted for a couple of pages before shit happens and he "can't do this anymore." Then all of a sudden he has an epiphany on how much on an idiot he's been a makes a "grand" gesture at the end that the h eats up.
I have read this storyline a million times before and it wasn't any better this time around.
I like reading about H's who chase and pursue and don't act like pussy cowards for the whole damn book. He was constantly thinking about how it's never gonna work out, how he can't give the h the family she wants b/c he has raised his 2 younger brothers and is burnt out, blah, blah, blah. So many excuses. I wanted him to man up.
I also wanted the h to go out and date someone else so badly! Make this idiot hero jealous and let him know that you won't be waiting around for his pathetic ass forever.
Overall, a very frustrating read.
Read
May 5, 2015These characters. This series. I put so much of me into this. It's all about family and friendships with banter, tears, and epiphanies along the way. Oh, and it's hella sexy too. :) Be prepared for make out scenes in or around vehicles in every book. I'm not anything if not committed to that theme.
Cal is a gruff and stubborn yet his heart is enough for his whole family. I hope you like him too.
If you want to be notified when this book releases and get up-to-date news on all of my books, you can sign up for my newsletter here. You'll also have the chance to enter exclusive giveaways for my books and others. Thanks!
Cal is a gruff and stubborn yet his heart is enough for his whole family. I hope you like him too.
If you want to be notified when this book releases and get up-to-date news on all of my books, you can sign up for my newsletter here. You'll also have the chance to enter exclusive giveaways for my books and others. Thanks!
November 29, 2015
Dearest Megan
Can I live in your brain? Pretty please? *insert cute puppy dog face*
I mean, you write THE hottest and swooniest boys ever and I'm sure I could find a great guy in there for myself (SERIOUSLY, where are they in real life?!) and live happily ever after!
Love
Nick
I've been a huge fan of Megan Erickson's work ever since I read her light and romantic Bowler University series. There is just something special about her writing that makes it perfect for me. Her latest book, Dirty Thoughts, is one I've been dying to read ever since she mentioned that the book would feature a sexy mechanic and a second chance romance. I mean, how could I even resist that? Dirty Thoughts turned out to be an even sexier and endearing book than I thought it would be. Megan Erickson has basically ruined me for every other romance writer.
I may have already mentioned this a million times before, but second chance romances are my one of my all-time favorite romance tropes and this author knows how to work with it so well. Jenna and Cal were high school sweethearts who came from very different financial backgrounds. After a certain incident involving Jenna's douche of a brother, they wound up going separate ways. 10 years later, Jenna is back and seeing Cal again brings back old feelings to the surface. Megan Erickson is a queen at characterization. In Dirty Thoughts, she continues to show how talented she is at it. I loved both of these characters so much. Jenna, especially, was a sweetheart! This girl had a heart made of gold. She cared about the people around her so much and she refused to back down when she wanted something. I loved how she was confident about herself, but never in an arrogant way. In fact, Jenna has to be one of the most down-to-earth main characters I've had the chance to meet. I actually think I might have loved her even better than I loved Cal and that's saying a lot. Cal, himself, was a character I also fell for - obviously, it's a Megan Erickson boy after all. He was very rough around the edges and very gruff. He was also bullheaded to the bone and there were moments where I wasn't sure if I wanted to squish him or just smack him in the head with my e-reader. After his mother abandoned his family, Cal had to raise his brothers on his own, so he never had a real life. He wants to be free of that burden once and for all so he didn't want a family of his own. Life has different plans for him though when he has to look after his newly found step-brother, Asher. Behind all the gruffness, Cal was a total bear who loved his family more than anything. He had had to endure and sacrifice so much, so I really wanted Cal to have that happily ever after he deserved.
The secondary characters in Dirty Thoughts were also fantastic. I loved everyone from Jenna's best friend to Cal's brother, Brent, whose book, Dirty Talk, I can't wait to read in a few months. The romance in Dirty Thoughts was just ... perfect. There was so much pent-up chemistry and sexual tension between Jenna and Cal. While Cal resisted at first because he didn't want to wind up with a broke heart again, Jenna continued to push through and show him why she was the best girl for him. I loved how well these two worked together. That was crystal clear when Cal had to look after Asher and Jenna was there by his side, acting as an anchor. Cal could also be very stubborn when it came to the romance and there was a bit of a push and pull, but when they finally gave in to the attraction, it was so worth it. Also the sexy times? Phew! While Cal could come across as this stoic man on the outside, he certainly knew how to express his emotions in the bedroom. Even though there was a lot of tension between Cal and Jenna at the beginning of the book, the book didn't feel angsty at all. I also liked how the misunderstanding that usually sprouts in most adult romances about 75% into the book wasn't stretched out until it got irritating. It was handled very well and the misunderstanding was actually something that was believable and not contrived. All in all, the romance in Dirty Thoughts was pure deliciousness!
If you're a romance lover and have never read a Megan Erickson novel, I don't think you've experienced what it means to fall in love with a couple. I don't even need to know what the book is about - it could be dino erotica for all I care, but if it has the name Megan Erickson on it, I'm reading it. Dirty Thoughts was a sexy second chance romance that had excellent characters that will have you shipping them like crazy. Seriously, read this book.
June 19, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Dirty Thoughts by Megan Erickson
Book One of the Mechanics of Love series
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publication Date: June 16, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Some things are sexier the second time around.
Cal Payton has gruff and grumbly down to an art...all the better for keeping people away. And it usually works. Until Jenna MacMillan-his biggest mistake---walks into Payton and Sons mechanic shop all grown up, looking like sunshine, and inspiring more than a few dirty thoughts.
Jenna was sure she was long over the boy she'd once loved with reckless abandon, but one look at the steel-eyed Cal Payton has her falling apart all over again. Ten years may have passed, but the pull is stronger than ever... and this Cal is all man.
Cal may have no intention of letting Jenna in, but she's always been his light, and it's getting harder to stay all alone in the dark. When a surprise from the past changes everything, Cal and Jenna must decide if their connection should be left alone or if it's exactly what they need for the future of their dreams.
What I Liked:
Gosh, I love Megan Erickson! I will read any romance novel she writes! I know she writes New Adult and Brazen adult romance - and Avon adult romance novel! This book was really, really great. The dedication is spot-on - I *love* my men to be a little dirty. Wink. Cal Payton is all kinds of dirty, in the most delicious of ways! But also very grumpy. How in the world does one find grumpy sexy?! Find out, in Dirty Thoughts...
Ten years ago, Cal and Jenna used to date. Cal is now a mechanic, a down-to-earth, brooding, no-nonsense guy who raised his younger brothers without their mother and shielded them from their grumpy father. Jenna is the daughter of a very rich family, and is now going to start working for her father in his business, to clean up the business's image. Back in the same town, Cal and Jenna start to fall for each other all over again - something that Cal doesn't expect, and initially, doesn't want. But something unexpected (that has nothing to do with Jenna) pops up, and Cal realizes that he has his whole future thought out the wrong way.
Cal! I love Cal! I didn't read Erickson's New Adult series that came before this series, and featured Cal's youngest brother Max (Bowler University series). But I heard readers were so fascinated with the grumpiness that is Cal, that she wrote Cal's book (this one)! THANK GOODNESS! I'll have to go and check out Make It Right.
Cal is grumpy and stubborn, a man of very few words, but he conveys exactly what he means in those few words. He hasn't been in a serious relationship in years - since Jenna. And then Jenna comes back to town. Jenna and Cal were inseparable as teenagers, and then something awful happened, and they stopped dating. Ten years later, the magnetism between them is still present. Jenna hasn't been able to forget Cal.
Just as I liked Cal, I liked Jenna! She's much more open and outwardly kind, definitely the mothering type. Cal thinks he's done with taking care of people, that he isn't the guy for a family because he raised his brother and he doesn't have anything more to keep going. How wrong he is! Jenna returning, and that unexpected visitor from the Payton past, proves how much Cal is capable of, how capable of loving he is.
I thought the romance was beautifully written. It's clear that both characters still love each other, but both are very wary of each other - Cal especially. But neither of them can keep away from each other, even when they're at odds. The chemistry between them is fiery hot and explosive!
I love the story of this book as well - non-romance-related. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but everything resolves around something popping up from the past, involving Cal's mother. Interesting plot arc! I'm not usually a fan, and at first I didn't like it, but I grew to enjoy this turn of events and the subsequent happenings. I love how Erickson worked Jenna into the picture too. And the climax was very exciting - sad, but exciting as well! A parallel to the past, if I may say so without spoiling anything.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! If you like dirty-talking mechanics/resident bad-boys who are actually sweethearts, definitely check out this book! You should go ahead and check it out anyway. I think it's only $1.99, every day price!
What I Did Not Like:
I hate Jenna's brother, Dylan! I think we're supposed to hate him, so there's that. UGH. What a douche. Wouldn't it be interesting if Erickson wrote his book though... antihero kind of thing!
Would I Recommend It:
I would totally recommend this book! Romance readers, get this on your radar! Sexy rugged sweet-yet-rough mechanic coming at you - with his one and only, a prim and proper, sweet and confident young lady who does cower when it comes to him. Love! I could read Erickson's romance novels for days and never be bored!
Rating:
4 stars. Such a good romance story! I zoomed through this book, it was so good. I can't wait to read Brent's book - Dirty Talk! Oh Brent. GIMMEE!
Dirty Thoughts by Megan Erickson
Book One of the Mechanics of Love series
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publication Date: June 16, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Some things are sexier the second time around.
Cal Payton has gruff and grumbly down to an art...all the better for keeping people away. And it usually works. Until Jenna MacMillan-his biggest mistake---walks into Payton and Sons mechanic shop all grown up, looking like sunshine, and inspiring more than a few dirty thoughts.
Jenna was sure she was long over the boy she'd once loved with reckless abandon, but one look at the steel-eyed Cal Payton has her falling apart all over again. Ten years may have passed, but the pull is stronger than ever... and this Cal is all man.
Cal may have no intention of letting Jenna in, but she's always been his light, and it's getting harder to stay all alone in the dark. When a surprise from the past changes everything, Cal and Jenna must decide if their connection should be left alone or if it's exactly what they need for the future of their dreams.
What I Liked:
Gosh, I love Megan Erickson! I will read any romance novel she writes! I know she writes New Adult and Brazen adult romance - and Avon adult romance novel! This book was really, really great. The dedication is spot-on - I *love* my men to be a little dirty. Wink. Cal Payton is all kinds of dirty, in the most delicious of ways! But also very grumpy. How in the world does one find grumpy sexy?! Find out, in Dirty Thoughts...
Ten years ago, Cal and Jenna used to date. Cal is now a mechanic, a down-to-earth, brooding, no-nonsense guy who raised his younger brothers without their mother and shielded them from their grumpy father. Jenna is the daughter of a very rich family, and is now going to start working for her father in his business, to clean up the business's image. Back in the same town, Cal and Jenna start to fall for each other all over again - something that Cal doesn't expect, and initially, doesn't want. But something unexpected (that has nothing to do with Jenna) pops up, and Cal realizes that he has his whole future thought out the wrong way.
Cal! I love Cal! I didn't read Erickson's New Adult series that came before this series, and featured Cal's youngest brother Max (Bowler University series). But I heard readers were so fascinated with the grumpiness that is Cal, that she wrote Cal's book (this one)! THANK GOODNESS! I'll have to go and check out Make It Right.
Cal is grumpy and stubborn, a man of very few words, but he conveys exactly what he means in those few words. He hasn't been in a serious relationship in years - since Jenna. And then Jenna comes back to town. Jenna and Cal were inseparable as teenagers, and then something awful happened, and they stopped dating. Ten years later, the magnetism between them is still present. Jenna hasn't been able to forget Cal.
Just as I liked Cal, I liked Jenna! She's much more open and outwardly kind, definitely the mothering type. Cal thinks he's done with taking care of people, that he isn't the guy for a family because he raised his brother and he doesn't have anything more to keep going. How wrong he is! Jenna returning, and that unexpected visitor from the Payton past, proves how much Cal is capable of, how capable of loving he is.
I thought the romance was beautifully written. It's clear that both characters still love each other, but both are very wary of each other - Cal especially. But neither of them can keep away from each other, even when they're at odds. The chemistry between them is fiery hot and explosive!
I love the story of this book as well - non-romance-related. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but everything resolves around something popping up from the past, involving Cal's mother. Interesting plot arc! I'm not usually a fan, and at first I didn't like it, but I grew to enjoy this turn of events and the subsequent happenings. I love how Erickson worked Jenna into the picture too. And the climax was very exciting - sad, but exciting as well! A parallel to the past, if I may say so without spoiling anything.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! If you like dirty-talking mechanics/resident bad-boys who are actually sweethearts, definitely check out this book! You should go ahead and check it out anyway. I think it's only $1.99, every day price!
What I Did Not Like:
I hate Jenna's brother, Dylan! I think we're supposed to hate him, so there's that. UGH. What a douche. Wouldn't it be interesting if Erickson wrote his book though... antihero kind of thing!
Would I Recommend It:
I would totally recommend this book! Romance readers, get this on your radar! Sexy rugged sweet-yet-rough mechanic coming at you - with his one and only, a prim and proper, sweet and confident young lady who does cower when it comes to him. Love! I could read Erickson's romance novels for days and never be bored!
Rating:
4 stars. Such a good romance story! I zoomed through this book, it was so good. I can't wait to read Brent's book - Dirty Talk! Oh Brent. GIMMEE!
December 15, 2015
This book was exactly what I was in the mood for! I love adult contemporary romances and I've been looking forward to this one since I saw that sexy cover and I heard my friend Nick rave all about Megan Erickson's books. I couldn't help myself and I ended up reading this one as soon as I got my copy. I get it now, I get why my some of my favorite bloggers love this author's books so much! I really loved this book and I can't wait to continue the series and read more of her books! (I'm actually reading another one of her books now).
Rekindles romances are one of my favorite book tropes, especially in adult romances. Cal and Jenna were in an intense relationship in high school, despite the fact that her family didn't approve. After a fight with Jenna's brother and the threat of pressed charges all those years ago, Cal and Jenna's relationship didn't survive. Especially her move to New York. Now, ten years later, Jenna is back in her old hometown and runs into Cal right away. It's clear that there are still sparks between them, but their old issues are still present. Especially Cal's thoughts on not being in a serious relationship or starting a family. After being left to raise his younger brothers on his own growing up, Cal wants nothing more than to live his life on his own and not be responsible for anyone else ever again. Which is really putting a damper on his potential rekindled relationship with Jenna.
But fate has different plans for Cal when his step-brother comes to town hoping to stay with Cal. No matter how Cal may feel about not wanting to be responsible for anyone again, he can't deny the loyalty he feels for his family. But Asher needs some adjusting and Cal needs Jenna's help with him. I loved how Cal fought so hard against a relationship with Jenna because he didn't want a family, but they both ended up acting like parents to Asher. Guys, you know how much I despise kids in books and I think that 98% of the time, kids/pregnancies in a book end up ruin it. I can count the number of times I wish a book couple had a kid (5 times, no lie), but I so wish that Cal and Jenna had a baby of their own! I loved seeing them act like parents to Asher and Cal would make one hell of a dad.
This was exactly everything I love about adult romances! It was sexy, just the right touch of emotional and it was so entertaining. I really fell in love with these characters and all of the brothers and I can't wait to read Brent's book next! I plan on making my way through the rest of her books pretty soon. If you love sexy book guys with just the right amount of brood, and a great romance, this book is for you!
4.5 out of 5 stars
***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
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Rekindles romances are one of my favorite book tropes, especially in adult romances. Cal and Jenna were in an intense relationship in high school, despite the fact that her family didn't approve. After a fight with Jenna's brother and the threat of pressed charges all those years ago, Cal and Jenna's relationship didn't survive. Especially her move to New York. Now, ten years later, Jenna is back in her old hometown and runs into Cal right away. It's clear that there are still sparks between them, but their old issues are still present. Especially Cal's thoughts on not being in a serious relationship or starting a family. After being left to raise his younger brothers on his own growing up, Cal wants nothing more than to live his life on his own and not be responsible for anyone else ever again. Which is really putting a damper on his potential rekindled relationship with Jenna.
But fate has different plans for Cal when his step-brother comes to town hoping to stay with Cal. No matter how Cal may feel about not wanting to be responsible for anyone again, he can't deny the loyalty he feels for his family. But Asher needs some adjusting and Cal needs Jenna's help with him. I loved how Cal fought so hard against a relationship with Jenna because he didn't want a family, but they both ended up acting like parents to Asher. Guys, you know how much I despise kids in books and I think that 98% of the time, kids/pregnancies in a book end up ruin it. I can count the number of times I wish a book couple had a kid (5 times, no lie), but I so wish that Cal and Jenna had a baby of their own! I loved seeing them act like parents to Asher and Cal would make one hell of a dad.
This was exactly everything I love about adult romances! It was sexy, just the right touch of emotional and it was so entertaining. I really fell in love with these characters and all of the brothers and I can't wait to read Brent's book next! I plan on making my way through the rest of her books pretty soon. If you love sexy book guys with just the right amount of brood, and a great romance, this book is for you!
4.5 out of 5 stars
***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Follow me at:
Bloglovin │ Twitter │ Tumblr │ Pinterest │ Polyvore
August 17, 2015
‘How was it possible to both dread and crave something at the same time?’
When we read the synopsis for Dirty Thoughts, there were two things that drew us in and had us hastily 1Clicking this book.
First off we relished the chance to spend some time with a guy who sounded so….for want of a better word, normal. Yep, our Cal Payton was a sexy, cranky, dirty talking MECHANIC!! Secondly, this was a second chance romance between two high school sweethearts, one of our favourite themes, so it was a no brainer. This was exactly the type of book we were in the mood for at the time!
‘Cal was….real.’
There were certain things we really enjoyed about this story. For instance, Cal. Here was a guy who could be such a grouch, who enjoyed his own company rather than socialise, except with his brothers and who, after having his heart decimated by the love of his life when he was only 18, had resigned himself, quite happily, to a life of bachelorism. Cal conveyed this gruff exterior yet underneath he was this loveable vulnerable character. He was the one whose heart would need the most protection. Whereas Jenna, our heroine came across as the stronger, stoic character of the two, an aspect we really enjoyed in Dirty Thoughts.
“See….I can speak in kiss too.”
After raising his brothers and losing Jenna, Cal had decided marriage and children were not to be part of his future. Cal’s Mum walked out on Cal and his two brothers he was only six, leaving his father devastated and bitter, with a heart closed to everyone including his boys. Cal stepped up to take on the role of surrogate father to Brent and Max shouldering all responsibilities for the boys, nurturing them and seeing them into adulthood, all of which had left Cal exhausted and afraid to open his heart again.
“I know it’s hard to care, Cal. I fucking know. But where would Max and I be if you didn’t.”
Jenna MacMillan left Cal to pursue a life away from their small town when she was only 18. Cal and Jenna shared a love they thought would see them married with children, instead it left them both broken hearted. When Jenna returns to their hometown, old feelings resurface and Jenna aims to find the warm, kind and loving man who used to reside beneath this cool and grouchy exterior Cal exudes.
‘The Cal of today was dangerous for her heart.’
We did enjoy this story and whilst it didn’t exactly wow us, we did find it to be a sweet and sexy tale of finding the other piece of your heart and a love that withstood the test of time. Dirty Thoughts was an easy, low angst and not overly dramatic read and sometimes that’s just what you’re in the mood for.
♥ ♥ ♥
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May 13, 2021
Dirty Thoughts fue entretenido pero tengo que reconocer que el drama de la pareja principal me canso un poco, estoy un poco mayor para ese ahora si, y despues no, creo que si no es un verdadero problema el que lo motiva, queda muy infantil.
Tambien me falto conocer mejor a Cal y Jenna, pese a las 200 y pico paginas que tiene la historia, tengo la sensacion de que no llegue a conocer demasiado a los personajes, toda la informacion que conocemos de ellos es basica y un tanto superficial.
En general, la novela estuvo bien, no es un novelon pero cumple su funcion, ademas, se lee de forma agil y la dinamica entre los hermanos Peyton es muy entrañable.
Para terminar, Dirty Thoughts es un libro simple, un poco superficial y con una trama predecible, no obstante, me distrajo y quede con un buen sabor al finalizarlo.
2.75 Estrellas!
June 17, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
I can't help it but I'm a sucker for a second chance at love story and Dirty Thoughts brings together high school lovers who were torn apart by an incident that could have landed one of them in jail. Sometimes a person is forced to make a decision for the greater good and that is exactly what Jenna MacMillan did ten years ago only Cal Payton doesn't see it that way. A whole lot of hurt, those pesky feelings that won't go away, crazy and loving relatives, and some sexy times both in and out of the bedroom make this one complicated but highly satisfying romance.
I love a hero who has a gruff exterior but underneath he's a big old teddy bear and that describes Cal Payton perfectly. He presents himself as this hard-nosed working man who doesn't believe in love and family yet even though is brothers are grown he still worries about them and their father. He claims he loves his quiet life yet when his circumstances change he enjoys the normalcy of it all. Cal is rough around the edges but it is also easy to see that he has a big heart and even though he won't admit it he longs to share it with someone.
Jenna MacMillan left town ten years ago always intending to come back after college but without Cal there waiting for her she's stayed gone. A public relations disaster at her father's company, one brought about by her brother, finds Jenna accepting a job to clean it up and moving home. She knows being back in town will be tough but she's willing to work through it to be back in the town she's always planned to raise a family in.
There was no doubting that the chemistry between these two was still there even 10 years later and there was also no doubt they were both still were hurt from the events of the past but I loved that they also easily admitted that they were both feeling the pull towards one another. I hated that Cal was so adamant about not wanting love, marriage and a family that their break-up had soured him on the one thing he wanted so much years ago. I felt sorry for Jenna who despite knowing she did the right thing 10 years ago also knew her actions had changed Cal and made her question if she'd ever find the happiness she wanted without him. There was a lot of push and pull in this story, there were many missteps along the way and a lot of rebuilding of trust in order for them to move forward.
While their relationship was front and foremost in this story we saw a great deal of Cal's family old and new and the interplay between them all added so much to this already wonderful story. In addition Jenna's friend, Delilah added so much humor and color to this story as well and I'm really hoping we eventually see her find a man that makes her fall hard.
Dirty Thoughts is a well rounded and delightful second chance love story that was blissfully sweet one moment and raw and raunchy the next and I loved every minute of it.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
I can't help it but I'm a sucker for a second chance at love story and Dirty Thoughts brings together high school lovers who were torn apart by an incident that could have landed one of them in jail. Sometimes a person is forced to make a decision for the greater good and that is exactly what Jenna MacMillan did ten years ago only Cal Payton doesn't see it that way. A whole lot of hurt, those pesky feelings that won't go away, crazy and loving relatives, and some sexy times both in and out of the bedroom make this one complicated but highly satisfying romance.
I love a hero who has a gruff exterior but underneath he's a big old teddy bear and that describes Cal Payton perfectly. He presents himself as this hard-nosed working man who doesn't believe in love and family yet even though is brothers are grown he still worries about them and their father. He claims he loves his quiet life yet when his circumstances change he enjoys the normalcy of it all. Cal is rough around the edges but it is also easy to see that he has a big heart and even though he won't admit it he longs to share it with someone.
Jenna MacMillan left town ten years ago always intending to come back after college but without Cal there waiting for her she's stayed gone. A public relations disaster at her father's company, one brought about by her brother, finds Jenna accepting a job to clean it up and moving home. She knows being back in town will be tough but she's willing to work through it to be back in the town she's always planned to raise a family in.
There was no doubting that the chemistry between these two was still there even 10 years later and there was also no doubt they were both still were hurt from the events of the past but I loved that they also easily admitted that they were both feeling the pull towards one another. I hated that Cal was so adamant about not wanting love, marriage and a family that their break-up had soured him on the one thing he wanted so much years ago. I felt sorry for Jenna who despite knowing she did the right thing 10 years ago also knew her actions had changed Cal and made her question if she'd ever find the happiness she wanted without him. There was a lot of push and pull in this story, there were many missteps along the way and a lot of rebuilding of trust in order for them to move forward.
While their relationship was front and foremost in this story we saw a great deal of Cal's family old and new and the interplay between them all added so much to this already wonderful story. In addition Jenna's friend, Delilah added so much humor and color to this story as well and I'm really hoping we eventually see her find a man that makes her fall hard.
Dirty Thoughts is a well rounded and delightful second chance love story that was blissfully sweet one moment and raw and raunchy the next and I loved every minute of it.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
June 23, 2015
I love a good second chance story and this author is a favorite of mine, so when I saw this book, I had to read it! Good call!
Ten years ago, Cal and Jenna broke-up under circumstances that had me mad a certain big brother. They each dealt with it in their own way. Jenna went off to New York to complete college and work. Cal stayed and closed himself off from the world. Controlled and mostly alone - just the way he liked it. It's less painful this way. Both dealing but never really happy. Then Jenna comes back to town.
The sparks are still there, that's for sure. Maybe a little taste - can't hurt, yeah? Yeah, right.
I'm an extremely character driven reader. If I don't like the main character, I'm not gonna like the book. I LOVE Cal. He has such personality. Loved it. He's grumpy and answers in the least number of words possible. He's playing a little bit of a martyr but he's taken care of his family since he was six. He's feeling empty and just wants to be left alone to live his life. I get him. Don't always like his choices but I respect him. There's this one scene in the book where I cringed and held myself tight as I read what was happening in his life. It was so not cool and I hurt for him, hurt with him. When a character can do that to me from the pages of a book, it means he's a great guy that the author did a great job creating. Thanks Megan - for Cal.
I liked Jenna too. She makes this decision that I get but I may not have been able to do. It hurt someone so much. It took me a while to get over that but as I got to know her and understand her, I liked her. I love how she took to Asher. How she was patient with Cal. How she had a little seed of hope even when she told herself it was hopeless.
And the story? It's complex and interesting. There's a surprise that wasn't what I was expecting at all. There were also seeds placed throughout the story that bloomed into part of the story long after they were dropped. I like that. Feels like the story is real. I read this in two days. Easily could have read it sooner if my eyes would have stayed open. :)
Lots of sexy and yum in this one too. This author never disappoints in the alone time and these two don't disappoint. Together they had set a standard that neither had found an equal to apart. Their chemistry was powerful and fun to watch. I especially loved it when poor Cal tired to keep his hands off her. The very best though, was their communication with kisses. Kiss communication was his form of telling her.
This is a great adult romance that still has all the things I love about New Adult romance. It's fresh and real, it's sexy and hot, it's dealing with issues that still feel relevant. Cannot wait for Brent's story.
Ten years ago, Cal and Jenna broke-up under circumstances that had me mad a certain big brother. They each dealt with it in their own way. Jenna went off to New York to complete college and work. Cal stayed and closed himself off from the world. Controlled and mostly alone - just the way he liked it. It's less painful this way. Both dealing but never really happy. Then Jenna comes back to town.
The sparks are still there, that's for sure. Maybe a little taste - can't hurt, yeah? Yeah, right.
I'm an extremely character driven reader. If I don't like the main character, I'm not gonna like the book. I LOVE Cal. He has such personality. Loved it. He's grumpy and answers in the least number of words possible. He's playing a little bit of a martyr but he's taken care of his family since he was six. He's feeling empty and just wants to be left alone to live his life. I get him. Don't always like his choices but I respect him. There's this one scene in the book where I cringed and held myself tight as I read what was happening in his life. It was so not cool and I hurt for him, hurt with him. When a character can do that to me from the pages of a book, it means he's a great guy that the author did a great job creating. Thanks Megan - for Cal.
I liked Jenna too. She makes this decision that I get but I may not have been able to do. It hurt someone so much. It took me a while to get over that but as I got to know her and understand her, I liked her. I love how she took to Asher. How she was patient with Cal. How she had a little seed of hope even when she told herself it was hopeless.
And the story? It's complex and interesting. There's a surprise that wasn't what I was expecting at all. There were also seeds placed throughout the story that bloomed into part of the story long after they were dropped. I like that. Feels like the story is real. I read this in two days. Easily could have read it sooner if my eyes would have stayed open. :)
Lots of sexy and yum in this one too. This author never disappoints in the alone time and these two don't disappoint. Together they had set a standard that neither had found an equal to apart. Their chemistry was powerful and fun to watch. I especially loved it when poor Cal tired to keep his hands off her. The very best though, was their communication with kisses. Kiss communication was his form of telling her.
This is a great adult romance that still has all the things I love about New Adult romance. It's fresh and real, it's sexy and hot, it's dealing with issues that still feel relevant. Cannot wait for Brent's story.
January 31, 2020
5 «te amo Solecito» stars ⭐
Jenna se fue hace 10 años con su corazón roto por tener que dejar al hombre que amaba, su primer amor, su primer todo. Pero lo hizo por él, era eso o perderlo y aún así lo perdió. Así que ahora que está de vuelta no sabe cómo irán las cosas con Cal, pero aunque no se esperaba una cálida bienvenida tampoco se esperaba encontrar a aquel hombre gruñón y frío pero todavía terriblemente guapo.
Ay, ha sido tan... Ni se deciros lo mucho que me ha gustado. Al parecer me lo leí en algún punto de mi vida, sin fecha establecida, pero como no me acordaba ni de habérmelo leído ha sido como una primera vez con él. Me ha enamorado perdidamente. Ha tenido todo lo que me gusta, desde un protagonista gruñón hasta un amor de niños que ahora llega a cuando son adultos. No hay cosa que más me gusteeeeee!!!! 😍 Así que podéis ver por qué estoy sin palabras.
He sentido de todo, desde la apatía con la vida que tenía Cal, me he reído con Brent a más no poder, me he enfadado cuando Jenna lo ha hecho por culpa de la cabezonería de Cal y por supuesto, y como ya he dicho, también me he enamorado cuando ellos lo han hecho. A pesar de que el libro tiene escenas sexys 😉 ha sido un historia muy dulce y amorosa, sobre todo por la introducción de Asher y ver cómo lo integraban y lo protector que se volvió enseguida Cal con él a pesar de que no quería. En serio, es que me ha encantado todo del libro TO-DO.
Así que por supuesto que os lo recomiendo, y por supuesto que estoy rezando a las estrellas por un hombre que me llame solecito ❤️🤣
Jenna se fue hace 10 años con su corazón roto por tener que dejar al hombre que amaba, su primer amor, su primer todo. Pero lo hizo por él, era eso o perderlo y aún así lo perdió. Así que ahora que está de vuelta no sabe cómo irán las cosas con Cal, pero aunque no se esperaba una cálida bienvenida tampoco se esperaba encontrar a aquel hombre gruñón y frío pero todavía terriblemente guapo.
Ay, ha sido tan... Ni se deciros lo mucho que me ha gustado. Al parecer me lo leí en algún punto de mi vida, sin fecha establecida, pero como no me acordaba ni de habérmelo leído ha sido como una primera vez con él. Me ha enamorado perdidamente. Ha tenido todo lo que me gusta, desde un protagonista gruñón hasta un amor de niños que ahora llega a cuando son adultos. No hay cosa que más me gusteeeeee!!!! 😍 Así que podéis ver por qué estoy sin palabras.
He sentido de todo, desde la apatía con la vida que tenía Cal, me he reído con Brent a más no poder, me he enfadado cuando Jenna lo ha hecho por culpa de la cabezonería de Cal y por supuesto, y como ya he dicho, también me he enamorado cuando ellos lo han hecho. A pesar de que el libro tiene escenas sexys 😉 ha sido un historia muy dulce y amorosa, sobre todo por la introducción de Asher y ver cómo lo integraban y lo protector que se volvió enseguida Cal con él a pesar de que no quería. En serio, es que me ha encantado todo del libro TO-DO.
Así que por supuesto que os lo recomiendo, y por supuesto que estoy rezando a las estrellas por un hombre que me llame solecito ❤️🤣
July 31, 2019
Me gusto más la primera vez que lo leí, pero sigue siendo bueno
July 20, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Jenna has returned from the big city, and come back to her hometown. Its been ten years but she is ready to make her life away from the crowds and the expensive housing and to a place that feel like home. Her father has called her back for a job, and so now she is back in the same town as her only love, Cal Payton. A man whom she has always loved but had to hurt him to save him and she knows he has never forgiven her for it. She doesn't know if there is a chance to have a future with him again, but she is going to show him that is genuine in her feelings for him and stand by him. Cal Payton, is thirty years old, and helps run his father's car mechanic shop along with his younger brother. Cal due to the faults in his parents, was forced to raised his brothers. Now he is embracing freedom and enjoying the peace and quiet of his home with only sports as entertainment. But Cal will be forced to make a decision when Jenna returns. Beautiful and loving Jenna, a woman he has always loved but broke his heart. But when he finds he has a step brother he never knew about and might have to raise him, he starts to question his own beliefs for living, and wonders if he can let Jenna, his sunshine, back into his life and be content in the dark and bleak existence that is his life.
The Hero
Cal had to grow up very quickly. His mother abandoned Cal and his brothers when they were young. His father wasn't the most loving of fathers and pretty much left them to their own devises. Cal as the oldest, had to be the one to raise his brothers, and show them the right way in living and it drained him completely. In high school he fell in love with Jenna, and they planned a life together, until her family forced her to make a difficult choice, either break it off with Cal or save his future and Jenna chose the latter. Cal has never forgotten. Cal is not the upbeat and positive young man he once was. He has changed into a man who is serious and thinks only of his own wants, which he has never had before. Cal is a hero that is a fighter, he has strength but also struggles emotionally. He is responsible and hard-working, and dedicated to his goals. But Cal's disposition is not very nice at all. He is so grumpy, moody and temperamental at times. But boy do I love my grumpy heroes.
The Heroine
Jenna fell in love with Cal, and even though she planned on going to school, she always wanted to be his wife and have a family with him. Her family didn't approve of their relationship, and when a fight broke out between Cal and her brother. Her parents gave her a choice, either they press charges and Cal goes to jail, which would ruin his future. Or break it off with him and go to college, and they would leave him alone. Jenna sacrificed her love so that Cal could be free without the stain of a criminal record. Jenna has returned and even though she doesn't expect anything from Cal, you see how much she wants him back in her life again. Jenna was feisty and funny and a fighter. She was a solid match for Cal, because she knew how to match his grumpy nature. Jenny is carefree and honest and good. She is upfront about the mistakes she has made in the past, and she makes an effort to get her "Cal" back.
Plot and Story Line
Dirty Thoughts is the first book in a new series by Megan Erickson. This is also the first book I have read from this author. This series is a series based on a family of brothers, a mechanics family. This concept was very interesting, because this is a first for me, reading a romance that deals with one of the main characters being a car mechanic. I have to say sexy as all get out!! I had so much fun with this story and couldn't put it down. What a page turner too!! The writing that Megan Erickson displays in this story is so engaging and immediately draws you in. I do love it when authors can do that for a reader. That no matter what your mood, you can still fall in love with a story. What really drew me most to this book was the "second chance" trope. I just adore this trope in romance novels because its such a romantic concept that in the real world most people only dream about, and in this story it becomes a reality. Both Cal and Jenna have a past with each other. They were high school sweethearts, but were really in love with each other. But they were driven apart by circumstances neither of them had much control over. They moved on, worked and for ten years they have been apart, but neither of them have entered other relationships. That is something I quite enjoyed, because you sense how right they are for each other. But we have another aspect roll into the story...the step brother, a teenager who doesn't feel safe at home and wants to live with Cal. This is where the relationship between Cal and Jenna begins to shift from getting to know each other and being friends into something more. Now let me talk about these brothers. Boy did I have a rockin' time with all of them. We have the two brothers that Cal raised Brent and Gabe. Both brothers are a bit different but you they have similar traits too. And I can't wait for their stories. Then we have the step brother who is gay, (a unique twist), and we see some seeds that could be a future story--maybe? We will see what this author does. I truly had a fun time with this one, and what a truly tender and poignant story and still have some lighter moments that seemed to balance the story out for this reader!!
The Cover
I just adore Avon covers, but they do so good with their contemporary ones. This cover I love, with the red and black background. The pose is so adorable, sensual and light-hearted all at the same time!!
Overall View
Dirty Thoughts is a story that is guaranteed to capture your attention from the beginning. It's a romantic tale of two people who find each other after ten years, and rekindle a sensual passion, characters to fall in love with, and a story to endear you. A SEXY GEM!!
“Like me, how?”
“Um, like, all . . . ” Asher puffed out his chest and held his arms out from his body like his biceps were huge. “Don’t dirty my house,” he said in a false low voice. “Do what I say. Grrrr.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was a gasp, and Asher clapped his hand over his mouth. Jenna covered his ears with her hands and hissed, "Don't say things like that in front of the children!"
Had they both been at the sauce while he was in the shower? What the--
Jenna's handds dropped from Asher's ears, and he turned to her, clasping her hands. "Its okay, Jenna. Its going to be hard, but I think I can overcome this."
Cal threw up his hands. "For God's sake--"
"John Hughes is not an actor." Jenna's voice wobbled, like she was speaking at his funeral. "He's only one of the greatest film makers of all time."
"Breakfast Club...Ferris Bueller's Day Off..Weird Science!" Asher's voice cracked at the end.
They were still both clutching each other, staring at him like he had leprosy. He rolled his eyes and stalked into the kitchen for another beer. "You guys are ridiculous."
"We'll pray for your Hugh-less soul!" Asher shouted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Love you, Sunshine. Not sure I ever stopped. But what I felt for you at eighteen is nothing compared to how I feel about you now."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Thought I'd come here that night and steal a ray of that sunshine. Then walk away, hoping it would keep me warm for a while. But damn if you didn't catch me in a day, sucking me back in, making me feel like if you weren't by my side, I'd die of frostbite."
Dirty Thoughts (1) Cal & Jenna
Dirty Talk (2) Brent & Ivy
Dirty Deeds (3)
Summary
Jenna has returned from the big city, and come back to her hometown. Its been ten years but she is ready to make her life away from the crowds and the expensive housing and to a place that feel like home. Her father has called her back for a job, and so now she is back in the same town as her only love, Cal Payton. A man whom she has always loved but had to hurt him to save him and she knows he has never forgiven her for it. She doesn't know if there is a chance to have a future with him again, but she is going to show him that is genuine in her feelings for him and stand by him. Cal Payton, is thirty years old, and helps run his father's car mechanic shop along with his younger brother. Cal due to the faults in his parents, was forced to raised his brothers. Now he is embracing freedom and enjoying the peace and quiet of his home with only sports as entertainment. But Cal will be forced to make a decision when Jenna returns. Beautiful and loving Jenna, a woman he has always loved but broke his heart. But when he finds he has a step brother he never knew about and might have to raise him, he starts to question his own beliefs for living, and wonders if he can let Jenna, his sunshine, back into his life and be content in the dark and bleak existence that is his life.
The Hero
Cal had to grow up very quickly. His mother abandoned Cal and his brothers when they were young. His father wasn't the most loving of fathers and pretty much left them to their own devises. Cal as the oldest, had to be the one to raise his brothers, and show them the right way in living and it drained him completely. In high school he fell in love with Jenna, and they planned a life together, until her family forced her to make a difficult choice, either break it off with Cal or save his future and Jenna chose the latter. Cal has never forgotten. Cal is not the upbeat and positive young man he once was. He has changed into a man who is serious and thinks only of his own wants, which he has never had before. Cal is a hero that is a fighter, he has strength but also struggles emotionally. He is responsible and hard-working, and dedicated to his goals. But Cal's disposition is not very nice at all. He is so grumpy, moody and temperamental at times. But boy do I love my grumpy heroes.
The Heroine
Jenna fell in love with Cal, and even though she planned on going to school, she always wanted to be his wife and have a family with him. Her family didn't approve of their relationship, and when a fight broke out between Cal and her brother. Her parents gave her a choice, either they press charges and Cal goes to jail, which would ruin his future. Or break it off with him and go to college, and they would leave him alone. Jenna sacrificed her love so that Cal could be free without the stain of a criminal record. Jenna has returned and even though she doesn't expect anything from Cal, you see how much she wants him back in her life again. Jenna was feisty and funny and a fighter. She was a solid match for Cal, because she knew how to match his grumpy nature. Jenny is carefree and honest and good. She is upfront about the mistakes she has made in the past, and she makes an effort to get her "Cal" back.
Plot and Story Line
Dirty Thoughts is the first book in a new series by Megan Erickson. This is also the first book I have read from this author. This series is a series based on a family of brothers, a mechanics family. This concept was very interesting, because this is a first for me, reading a romance that deals with one of the main characters being a car mechanic. I have to say sexy as all get out!! I had so much fun with this story and couldn't put it down. What a page turner too!! The writing that Megan Erickson displays in this story is so engaging and immediately draws you in. I do love it when authors can do that for a reader. That no matter what your mood, you can still fall in love with a story. What really drew me most to this book was the "second chance" trope. I just adore this trope in romance novels because its such a romantic concept that in the real world most people only dream about, and in this story it becomes a reality. Both Cal and Jenna have a past with each other. They were high school sweethearts, but were really in love with each other. But they were driven apart by circumstances neither of them had much control over. They moved on, worked and for ten years they have been apart, but neither of them have entered other relationships. That is something I quite enjoyed, because you sense how right they are for each other. But we have another aspect roll into the story...the step brother, a teenager who doesn't feel safe at home and wants to live with Cal. This is where the relationship between Cal and Jenna begins to shift from getting to know each other and being friends into something more. Now let me talk about these brothers. Boy did I have a rockin' time with all of them. We have the two brothers that Cal raised Brent and Gabe. Both brothers are a bit different but you they have similar traits too. And I can't wait for their stories. Then we have the step brother who is gay, (a unique twist), and we see some seeds that could be a future story--maybe? We will see what this author does. I truly had a fun time with this one, and what a truly tender and poignant story and still have some lighter moments that seemed to balance the story out for this reader!!
The Cover
I just adore Avon covers, but they do so good with their contemporary ones. This cover I love, with the red and black background. The pose is so adorable, sensual and light-hearted all at the same time!!
Overall View
Dirty Thoughts is a story that is guaranteed to capture your attention from the beginning. It's a romantic tale of two people who find each other after ten years, and rekindle a sensual passion, characters to fall in love with, and a story to endear you. A SEXY GEM!!
“Like me, how?”
“Um, like, all . . . ” Asher puffed out his chest and held his arms out from his body like his biceps were huge. “Don’t dirty my house,” he said in a false low voice. “Do what I say. Grrrr.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was a gasp, and Asher clapped his hand over his mouth. Jenna covered his ears with her hands and hissed, "Don't say things like that in front of the children!"
Had they both been at the sauce while he was in the shower? What the--
Jenna's handds dropped from Asher's ears, and he turned to her, clasping her hands. "Its okay, Jenna. Its going to be hard, but I think I can overcome this."
Cal threw up his hands. "For God's sake--"
"John Hughes is not an actor." Jenna's voice wobbled, like she was speaking at his funeral. "He's only one of the greatest film makers of all time."
"Breakfast Club...Ferris Bueller's Day Off..Weird Science!" Asher's voice cracked at the end.
They were still both clutching each other, staring at him like he had leprosy. He rolled his eyes and stalked into the kitchen for another beer. "You guys are ridiculous."
"We'll pray for your Hugh-less soul!" Asher shouted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Love you, Sunshine. Not sure I ever stopped. But what I felt for you at eighteen is nothing compared to how I feel about you now."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Thought I'd come here that night and steal a ray of that sunshine. Then walk away, hoping it would keep me warm for a while. But damn if you didn't catch me in a day, sucking me back in, making me feel like if you weren't by my side, I'd die of frostbite."
Dirty Thoughts (1) Cal & Jenna
Dirty Talk (2) Brent & Ivy
Dirty Deeds (3)
June 7, 2015
So many dirty thoughts, so little time... Grease monkeys have never been quite as appealing as Cal Payton is in Dirty Thoughts, the first book in a new series that I'm going to need more of. Like, now.
After ten years away, Jenna MacMillan is back in Tory, back in the driveway of Cal Payton's garage. And back to making the gruff, stoic Cal feel those "fucking feelings", it would seem.
A decade has changed both Jenna and Cal, but the obstacles that broke them apart all those years ago are still there -- and Cal doesn't think he has what it takes to be all he once promised Jenna he would be.
But when his world is rocked by unexpected news, Cal finds his walls crumbling and his heart hoping that his Sunshine can bring him back into the light.
I think if someone were to ask me my favorite type of romance, that second chance romance would be my answer. Because when done right, they're hopeful, emotional, heartbreaking and heartwarming, and the existing connection between the characters is enough to make you fall in love with them (and them with each other) quickly and effortlessly.
Dirty Thoughts was done right. So right. Cal and Jenna were utterly lovable; from the first page to the very end, I was hooked on their story and I felt all the feels. And they all played across my face. I smiled and frowned and shuddered and shook. I wanted to cry for what all of these characters were feeling and I wanted to take my car to be serviced by Cal. (And if he wanted to service me too while I was there...I'm good with that!)
I loved the Bowler University series, in which Cal was a minor character (this book can be read standalone, FYI), and all that made that series so much fun is present here too. Playful interactions between the characters, a bit of intrigue, some very sexy times that invoked the Dirty Thoughts from the title, and writing that draws you in until you wish you were a part of this world.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. I need more dirty in my life. Right. Now. ~ Beth, 5 stars
~~~
A gigantic HELL YES to the gruff, sexy mechanic, please! Extra bonus points that he has a ginormous…heart, and a velvety soft… underbelly (where did you think I was going to go with those adjectives? Dirty, dirty.) Speaking of dirty – there’s plenty of that, too. And it is hot. Steamy hot. SO, steamy hot with a gruff, sexy mechanic... Do I even need to write more words?
We first met Cal as Max’s ornery big brother in Make it Right. I somehow didn’t know this was a spin-off series, and was so happy to get to see Max and Lea again! Cal is the caretaker for his brothers and a lifetime in that role has made him tired, tough, and world weary.
Jenna is sweet, patient, and smart. Cal and Jenna dated as teenagers and it didn’t end well. When Jenna shows up back in town ten years later, the two discover that all the time and distance in the world wouldn’t be enough to douse their spark.
These two together are just… heartwarming, and sexy. All the feelings. “Fucking Feelings.”
The relationship between the Payton brothers is also a key theme in this book. I love how Ms. Erickson writes family. These boys pull no punches and give each other Hell, but they love the crap out of each other, and it is impossible not to love their whole dynamic.
Ms. Erickson has a gift for writing heartwarming, sexy love stories that make me laugh out loud. She captures the sometimes quirky, sometimes awkward, sometimes panty-soaking and sometimes heartbreaking stages that real life relationships go through, and then adds elements like a tattooed, sexy mechanic just to kick things up a notch.
The end result is that my family was abandoned for the day it took me to read this book, but it was so completely worth it. I cannot WAIT for Brent’s story. ~ Shelly, 5 stars
After ten years away, Jenna MacMillan is back in Tory, back in the driveway of Cal Payton's garage. And back to making the gruff, stoic Cal feel those "fucking feelings", it would seem.
A decade has changed both Jenna and Cal, but the obstacles that broke them apart all those years ago are still there -- and Cal doesn't think he has what it takes to be all he once promised Jenna he would be.
But when his world is rocked by unexpected news, Cal finds his walls crumbling and his heart hoping that his Sunshine can bring him back into the light.
I think if someone were to ask me my favorite type of romance, that second chance romance would be my answer. Because when done right, they're hopeful, emotional, heartbreaking and heartwarming, and the existing connection between the characters is enough to make you fall in love with them (and them with each other) quickly and effortlessly.
Dirty Thoughts was done right. So right. Cal and Jenna were utterly lovable; from the first page to the very end, I was hooked on their story and I felt all the feels. And they all played across my face. I smiled and frowned and shuddered and shook. I wanted to cry for what all of these characters were feeling and I wanted to take my car to be serviced by Cal. (And if he wanted to service me too while I was there...I'm good with that!)
I loved the Bowler University series, in which Cal was a minor character (this book can be read standalone, FYI), and all that made that series so much fun is present here too. Playful interactions between the characters, a bit of intrigue, some very sexy times that invoked the Dirty Thoughts from the title, and writing that draws you in until you wish you were a part of this world.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. I need more dirty in my life. Right. Now. ~ Beth, 5 stars
~~~
A gigantic HELL YES to the gruff, sexy mechanic, please! Extra bonus points that he has a ginormous…heart, and a velvety soft… underbelly (where did you think I was going to go with those adjectives? Dirty, dirty.) Speaking of dirty – there’s plenty of that, too. And it is hot. Steamy hot. SO, steamy hot with a gruff, sexy mechanic... Do I even need to write more words?
We first met Cal as Max’s ornery big brother in Make it Right. I somehow didn’t know this was a spin-off series, and was so happy to get to see Max and Lea again! Cal is the caretaker for his brothers and a lifetime in that role has made him tired, tough, and world weary.
Jenna is sweet, patient, and smart. Cal and Jenna dated as teenagers and it didn’t end well. When Jenna shows up back in town ten years later, the two discover that all the time and distance in the world wouldn’t be enough to douse their spark.
These two together are just… heartwarming, and sexy. All the feelings. “Fucking Feelings.”
The relationship between the Payton brothers is also a key theme in this book. I love how Ms. Erickson writes family. These boys pull no punches and give each other Hell, but they love the crap out of each other, and it is impossible not to love their whole dynamic.
Ms. Erickson has a gift for writing heartwarming, sexy love stories that make me laugh out loud. She captures the sometimes quirky, sometimes awkward, sometimes panty-soaking and sometimes heartbreaking stages that real life relationships go through, and then adds elements like a tattooed, sexy mechanic just to kick things up a notch.
The end result is that my family was abandoned for the day it took me to read this book, but it was so completely worth it. I cannot WAIT for Brent’s story. ~ Shelly, 5 stars
July 2, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
This was a cute story, but I wanted more from this story. Cal and Jenna had chemistry, but given the title I was looking for some a bit more dirty than what we got.
Cal and Jenna were high school sweethearts. He was the bad boy that she was warned to stay away from. Despite that, these two managed to find love and promises of a future. When all that goes wrong and Jenna goes away to college, neither Cal or Jenna got over each other. When Jenna comes back home to help the family financial company, the two of them have to deal with their unresolved feelings for each other, the events that lead to their break up and if they could put everything in the past and move forward.
Cal was a bit of an ass and I had to wonder if there was going to be a point where I truly liked him. It came, but I often found myself trying to remember his redeeming qualities when his a-hole ones were taking over. He was gruff and quick to jump to conclusions, but he was also a guy who was incredibly loyal to his family. He was willing to push what he wanted to the back burner in order to put family first...even if that meant he didn't get what he wanted.
Jenna was a sweet girl. She was a people pleaser. When her father beckoned her to come home, she did in the hopes she could save the family business and prove she was a capable person when it came to the business. And when it came to Cal, she was willing to forget everything to have something with him. At times I had to wonder why she let him treat her the way he did, but she knew what laid beyond his gruffness and was way more willing than me to put the work into getting to that man.
This was a cute and enjoyable read. There were a very moments that either had me smiling or laughing out loud For those moments, it's worth picking up DIRTY THOUGHTS.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
This was a cute story, but I wanted more from this story. Cal and Jenna had chemistry, but given the title I was looking for some a bit more dirty than what we got.
Cal and Jenna were high school sweethearts. He was the bad boy that she was warned to stay away from. Despite that, these two managed to find love and promises of a future. When all that goes wrong and Jenna goes away to college, neither Cal or Jenna got over each other. When Jenna comes back home to help the family financial company, the two of them have to deal with their unresolved feelings for each other, the events that lead to their break up and if they could put everything in the past and move forward.
Cal was a bit of an ass and I had to wonder if there was going to be a point where I truly liked him. It came, but I often found myself trying to remember his redeeming qualities when his a-hole ones were taking over. He was gruff and quick to jump to conclusions, but he was also a guy who was incredibly loyal to his family. He was willing to push what he wanted to the back burner in order to put family first...even if that meant he didn't get what he wanted.
Jenna was a sweet girl. She was a people pleaser. When her father beckoned her to come home, she did in the hopes she could save the family business and prove she was a capable person when it came to the business. And when it came to Cal, she was willing to forget everything to have something with him. At times I had to wonder why she let him treat her the way he did, but she knew what laid beyond his gruffness and was way more willing than me to put the work into getting to that man.
This was a cute and enjoyable read. There were a very moments that either had me smiling or laughing out loud For those moments, it's worth picking up DIRTY THOUGHTS.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
September 22, 2015
3.5 stars
I liked our grumpy hero and the heroine. They really had a deep bond, the book was more about the hero accepting certain truths since the love was already there.
I liked our grumpy hero and the heroine. They really had a deep bond, the book was more about the hero accepting certain truths since the love was already there.
August 16, 2015
‘How was it possible to both dread and crave something at the same time?’
When we read the synopsis for Dirty Thoughts, there were two things that drew us in and had us hastily 1Clicking this book.
First off we relished the chance to spend some time with a guy who sounded so….for want of a better word, normal. Yep, our Cal Payton was a sexy, cranky, dirty talking MECHANIC!! Secondly, this was a second chance romance between two high school sweethearts, one of our favourite themes, so it was a no brainer. This was exactly the type of book we were in the mood for at the time!
‘Cal was….real.’
There were certain things we really enjoyed about this story. For instance, Cal. Here was a guy who could be such a grouch, who enjoyed his own company rather than socialise, except with his brothers and who, after having his heart decimated by the love of his life when he was only 18, had resigned himself, quite happily, to a life of bachelorism. Cal conveyed this gruff exterior yet underneath he was this loveable vulnerable character. He was the one whose heart would need the most protection. Whereas Jenna, our heroine came across as the stronger, stoic character of the two, an aspect we really enjoyed in Dirty Thoughts.
“See….I can speak in kiss too.”
After raising his brothers and losing Jenna, Cal had decided marriage and children were not to be part of his future. Cal’s Mum walked out on Cal and his two brothers he was only six, leaving his father devastated and bitter, with a heart closed to everyone including his boys. Cal stepped up to take on the role of surrogate father to Brent and Max shouldering all responsibilities for the boys, nurturing them and seeing them into adulthood, all of which had left Cal exhausted and afraid to open his heart again.
“I know it’s hard to care, Cal. I fucking know. But where would Max and I be if you didn’t.”
Jenna MacMillan left Cal to pursue a life away from their small town when she was only 18. Cal and Jenna shared a love they thought would see them married with children, instead it left them both broken hearted. When Jenna returns to their hometown, old feelings resurface and Jenna aims to find the warm, kind and loving man who used to reside beneath this cool and grouchy exterior Cal exudes.
‘The Cal of today was dangerous for her heart.’
We did enjoy this story and whilst it didn’t exactly wow us, we did find it to be a sweet and sexy tale of finding the other piece of your heart and a love that withstood the test of time. Dirty Thoughts was an easy, low angst and not overly dramatic read and sometimes that’s just what you’re in the mood for.
♥ ♥ ♥
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June 29, 2015
4.5/5 stars
Max Payton was my favorite Bowler University boy, so I was beyond excited that Megan was doing a spin-off series with his brothers. We briefly met Cal and Brent in Max's book, Make it Right, as well as their father, Jack. If you haven't read Max's book, don't worry. Dirty Thoughts will reintroduce you to these characters and give you a feel for why the Payton brothers are the way they are.
This book was so much fun. Not only was the romance sweet and steamy, but the humor and banter was so well done. I loved Cal's interactions with Brent. Their bickering and their banter was so great. It really gave you a good idea as to how different these two men are, but also of how much they respect and care for one another.
Cal and Jenna also have some great banter and there is an intensity to them that I just adored. I think part of it is Cal's gruffness. He comes across as so stoic and hard at times, but I love that he is a sweetheart underneath the gruff exterior! He cracked me up every time he started thinking about his 'f****** feelings'. Haha! Jenna and Cal were high school sweethearts, so there is already a lot of history between them when they meet up again. The chemistry is definitely still sizzling between them, but Cal is pretty set in his bachelor ways. He wants to be on his own and do what he loves- working on motorcycles. Cal has had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders for a long time, being the eldest Payton and the one who took care of his brothers when his father didn't. He knows Jenna wants a family, and he just doesn't think he can be the one to give that to her.
It killed me when he pushed her away because you can see how much he doesn't want to. A surprising addition ends up bringing the two closer than ever, and it warmed my heart to see them interact in the exact capacity Cal didn't want. Cal definitely doesn't get his act together on his own. Thankfully, he has a lot of people who care about him and his happiness- as well as people who aren't afraid to tell him he's being an idiot for shutting out the one woman he never truly got over.
I was so glad Jenna's family didn't end up playing as big of a role in their relationship as I thought it might. It wasn't the usual 'oh she's too good for me, so I'm going to push her away' bit. That's not to say that Cal doesn't think it at times, but it's not the driving force keeping them apart.
We got a great cast of secondary characters, and I have to say- Jack Payton really surprised the heck out of me. He ended up taking a liking to a new character that is introduced and it was really sweet and surprising. He DOES have a heart after all!
I'm really looking forward to Brent's book next. I loved his goofy self and I'm excited to meet the woman who will catch his interest... and hold on to it.
Overall, this was a complete win for me. I am a huge fan of Megan's writing and I love the romances she writes. She does a great job developing her secondary characters and I always find myself completely attached to them all before the book ends. Dirty Thoughts is one of those books you'll fly through and then lament because it's over.
*Received a copy of this book via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Max Payton was my favorite Bowler University boy, so I was beyond excited that Megan was doing a spin-off series with his brothers. We briefly met Cal and Brent in Max's book, Make it Right, as well as their father, Jack. If you haven't read Max's book, don't worry. Dirty Thoughts will reintroduce you to these characters and give you a feel for why the Payton brothers are the way they are.
This book was so much fun. Not only was the romance sweet and steamy, but the humor and banter was so well done. I loved Cal's interactions with Brent. Their bickering and their banter was so great. It really gave you a good idea as to how different these two men are, but also of how much they respect and care for one another.
Cal and Jenna also have some great banter and there is an intensity to them that I just adored. I think part of it is Cal's gruffness. He comes across as so stoic and hard at times, but I love that he is a sweetheart underneath the gruff exterior! He cracked me up every time he started thinking about his 'f****** feelings'. Haha! Jenna and Cal were high school sweethearts, so there is already a lot of history between them when they meet up again. The chemistry is definitely still sizzling between them, but Cal is pretty set in his bachelor ways. He wants to be on his own and do what he loves- working on motorcycles. Cal has had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders for a long time, being the eldest Payton and the one who took care of his brothers when his father didn't. He knows Jenna wants a family, and he just doesn't think he can be the one to give that to her.
It killed me when he pushed her away because you can see how much he doesn't want to. A surprising addition ends up bringing the two closer than ever, and it warmed my heart to see them interact in the exact capacity Cal didn't want. Cal definitely doesn't get his act together on his own. Thankfully, he has a lot of people who care about him and his happiness- as well as people who aren't afraid to tell him he's being an idiot for shutting out the one woman he never truly got over.
I was so glad Jenna's family didn't end up playing as big of a role in their relationship as I thought it might. It wasn't the usual 'oh she's too good for me, so I'm going to push her away' bit. That's not to say that Cal doesn't think it at times, but it's not the driving force keeping them apart.
We got a great cast of secondary characters, and I have to say- Jack Payton really surprised the heck out of me. He ended up taking a liking to a new character that is introduced and it was really sweet and surprising. He DOES have a heart after all!
I'm really looking forward to Brent's book next. I loved his goofy self and I'm excited to meet the woman who will catch his interest... and hold on to it.
Overall, this was a complete win for me. I am a huge fan of Megan's writing and I love the romances she writes. She does a great job developing her secondary characters and I always find myself completely attached to them all before the book ends. Dirty Thoughts is one of those books you'll fly through and then lament because it's over.
*Received a copy of this book via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
June 22, 2015
See this review and more on my blog, After Hours at Lilybloombooks
WARNING: Reader may have Dirty Thoughts after reading.
Confession: I did not know that Dirty Thoughts, well the series actually, focus on non other than Max's older brothers. Granted, everything was spelled out for me but the two didn't connect. At all. >.<
Megan has quickly become one of my favorite authors. With every book of hers that I read, I fall more and more in love with her writing and ability to create such fun, unique characters and a story that is realistic and relatable.
Not to mention, second chance romances are becoming my THING, too!
Cal is probably one of the most stubborn, brooding but loving and kind-hearted men in fiction I have read about in a while. There were times when I was SCREAMING at him in the inside, because his stubbornness knows no bounds. But I truly felt for the guy - because he honest to goodness felt like he was tapped out and doing the right thing when it came to Jenna and rekindling their relationship.
Jenna has a stubborn streak of her own and I loved everything that she did for Cal after Asher shows up. She goes to great lengths to help out, all the while, the situation tearing her apart inside knowing that THIS could have been her life. Yet, as much as she helped out and was beyond patient, she was feisty and stood her ground too.
Now these two together? Hot, Hot HOT.. The spark between these two is obvious from the first encounter and I could not get enough of them together. The banter and camaraderie are natural and the sexual tension was off the charts. Sure, both have different ideas in mind for what they want for their future, but that is where Asher and his situation comes in and Cal is forced to OPEN HIS DAMN EYES.
I would also like to mention how much I love the love in this family. It's not perfect - but the love between them all is strong and I adore them all. Jack doesn't seem so scary anymore, either. ;)
Overall - I loved Dirty Thoughts. It's no surprise this one is on the favorites list. Sexy, fun and laugh out loud funny, Dirty Thoughts is not to be missed! I highly recommend it!
*I received a copy of this book from The Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
WARNING: Reader may have Dirty Thoughts after reading.
Confession: I did not know that Dirty Thoughts, well the series actually, focus on non other than Max's older brothers. Granted, everything was spelled out for me but the two didn't connect. At all. >.<
Megan has quickly become one of my favorite authors. With every book of hers that I read, I fall more and more in love with her writing and ability to create such fun, unique characters and a story that is realistic and relatable.
Not to mention, second chance romances are becoming my THING, too!
Cal is probably one of the most stubborn, brooding but loving and kind-hearted men in fiction I have read about in a while. There were times when I was SCREAMING at him in the inside, because his stubbornness knows no bounds. But I truly felt for the guy - because he honest to goodness felt like he was tapped out and doing the right thing when it came to Jenna and rekindling their relationship.
Jenna has a stubborn streak of her own and I loved everything that she did for Cal after Asher shows up. She goes to great lengths to help out, all the while, the situation tearing her apart inside knowing that THIS could have been her life. Yet, as much as she helped out and was beyond patient, she was feisty and stood her ground too.
Now these two together? Hot, Hot HOT.. The spark between these two is obvious from the first encounter and I could not get enough of them together. The banter and camaraderie are natural and the sexual tension was off the charts. Sure, both have different ideas in mind for what they want for their future, but that is where Asher and his situation comes in and Cal is forced to OPEN HIS DAMN EYES.
I would also like to mention how much I love the love in this family. It's not perfect - but the love between them all is strong and I adore them all. Jack doesn't seem so scary anymore, either. ;)
Overall - I loved Dirty Thoughts. It's no surprise this one is on the favorites list. Sexy, fun and laugh out loud funny, Dirty Thoughts is not to be missed! I highly recommend it!
*I received a copy of this book from The Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
December 12, 2015
FIRST THOUGHTS: Dear Megan Erickson, I hope you never stop writing romances because I WILL READ THEM ALL. Seriously! I loved getting to meet Max's older brother Cal, and really getting to know him better. Love the little Payton clan, love the romance, just really adored this book!!
September 2, 2018
#FuckingFeelings
If I was rating books this year, then Megan Erickson would have earned an infinite amount with this well rounded hometown second chance love story.
#JustReadIt #TRUST
If I was rating books this year, then Megan Erickson would have earned an infinite amount with this well rounded hometown second chance love story.
#JustReadIt #TRUST
June 7, 2017
Nach Jahren ist Jenna zurück in ihrer Heimatstadt und somit auch zurück an den Ort, wo ihre sich die Wege von Cal Payton und ihr einst trennten. Sie ist entschlossener denn je ein gemeinsames Leben mit ihm zu führen. Doch noch immer stehen die Ereignisse von damals zwischen ihnen. Langsam schafft es Jenna Cals Mauern zu durchbrechen und sein Herz erneut zu gewinnen. Doch in einer schicksalsträchtigen Nacht scheinen sich die Fehler der Vergangenheit zu wiederholen..
„Dirty Thoughts – Jenna & Cal“ ist der erste Band der „Mechanics of Love“-Reihe von Megan Erickson. In diesem ersten Teil wird die Geschichte von Jenna und Cal erzählt.
Obwohl ich zunächst Band zwei „Dirty Talk – Ivy & Brent“ gelesen hatte, wurde ich doch nur wenig in der Hinsicht auf Jenna und Cal gespoilert.
Auch in diesem Band erfolgte der Wechsel der Sichtweisen von Jenna und Cal. Auch hier fand ich ihn zweitweise überraschend und verwirrend.
Der Schreibstil ist leicht verständlich und flüssig, konnte mich aber nicht vollends in seinen Bann ziehen.
Doch die Story ist interessant, sodass ich dabei bald drüber hinweg sehen konnte.
Das Motto des Buches wäre wohl: Alte Liebe rostet nicht.
Denn Jennas und Cals Beziehung liegt einige Jahre zurück und eine einzige Entscheidung führte damals zur Trennung.
Von Beginn an schaffte es die Autorin jedoch eine interessante und spannende Story zu erschaffen.
Von vornherein ist dem Leser eigentlich klar, dass beide Protagonisten noch immer Gefühle füreinander hegen, die auch nach Jahren der Trennung noch im Inneren schwelen.
Und obwohl zwischen ihnen noch immer viel Liebe und Leidenschaft herrscht, ist es ein zunächst steiniger Weg, altes Vertrauen wieder aufzubauen und sich aufeinander einzulassen.
Doch zunächt ist ihr Weg steinig und vor allem Cal macht es Jenna schwer. Dennoch waren mir beide Protagonisten sympathisch, obwohl auch sie mir anfangs recht blass wirkten und sich erst im weiteren Verlauf entwickelten.
Die Geschichte von Jenna und Cal hat mir trotzdem gut gefallen. Es war interessant zu verfolgen, wie sie über die Ereignisse und Fehler der Vergangenheit hinauswachsen.
Vor allem Cal wird im Verlauf noch vor einer ganz besonderen Herausforderungen gestellt, die er gemeinsam mit Jenna bestehen muss.
Die Geschichte von Jenna und Cal ist unterhaltsam und spannend zu verfolgen.
Es gibt viele lustige, sinnliche und vertrauliche Szenen.
Trotzdem fehlten mir noch gewisse Wow-Momente, die mich staunen ließen und die Story unvorhersehbar machten.
Ich vergebe daher 4 von 5 Sterne.
„Dirty Thoughts – Jenna & Cal“ ist der erste Band der „Mechanics of Love“-Reihe von Megan Erickson. In diesem ersten Teil wird die Geschichte von Jenna und Cal erzählt.
Obwohl ich zunächst Band zwei „Dirty Talk – Ivy & Brent“ gelesen hatte, wurde ich doch nur wenig in der Hinsicht auf Jenna und Cal gespoilert.
Auch in diesem Band erfolgte der Wechsel der Sichtweisen von Jenna und Cal. Auch hier fand ich ihn zweitweise überraschend und verwirrend.
Der Schreibstil ist leicht verständlich und flüssig, konnte mich aber nicht vollends in seinen Bann ziehen.
Doch die Story ist interessant, sodass ich dabei bald drüber hinweg sehen konnte.
Das Motto des Buches wäre wohl: Alte Liebe rostet nicht.
Denn Jennas und Cals Beziehung liegt einige Jahre zurück und eine einzige Entscheidung führte damals zur Trennung.
Von Beginn an schaffte es die Autorin jedoch eine interessante und spannende Story zu erschaffen.
Von vornherein ist dem Leser eigentlich klar, dass beide Protagonisten noch immer Gefühle füreinander hegen, die auch nach Jahren der Trennung noch im Inneren schwelen.
Und obwohl zwischen ihnen noch immer viel Liebe und Leidenschaft herrscht, ist es ein zunächst steiniger Weg, altes Vertrauen wieder aufzubauen und sich aufeinander einzulassen.
Doch zunächt ist ihr Weg steinig und vor allem Cal macht es Jenna schwer. Dennoch waren mir beide Protagonisten sympathisch, obwohl auch sie mir anfangs recht blass wirkten und sich erst im weiteren Verlauf entwickelten.
Die Geschichte von Jenna und Cal hat mir trotzdem gut gefallen. Es war interessant zu verfolgen, wie sie über die Ereignisse und Fehler der Vergangenheit hinauswachsen.
Vor allem Cal wird im Verlauf noch vor einer ganz besonderen Herausforderungen gestellt, die er gemeinsam mit Jenna bestehen muss.
Die Geschichte von Jenna und Cal ist unterhaltsam und spannend zu verfolgen.
Es gibt viele lustige, sinnliche und vertrauliche Szenen.
Trotzdem fehlten mir noch gewisse Wow-Momente, die mich staunen ließen und die Story unvorhersehbar machten.
Ich vergebe daher 4 von 5 Sterne.
April 2, 2016
I’m a big fan of the reunited lovers storyline, especially when it deals with high school romances that falter, then pick up again years later. In this story, Jenna has returned to her hometown after a 10-year absence, during which she tried hard to put her high school boyfriend Cal out of her mind. Though she and Cal had loved each other fiercely, conflict between him and her family had resulted in her breaking things off with Cal for what she believed would be his benefit and she’d left to nurse her wounded heart and focus on a new future. Now back to try to repair the image of her father’s failing company, seeing Cal, who’d never left their small town is a given. But she didn’t count on her buried feelings for him rising to the surface so quickly. Cal is shocked to see Jenna again, and not overly pleased. It took him long enough to get over his heartbreak in the first place and having her back in town threatens to break through the cap he’s put on his emotions since she left. But Jenna isn’t going anywhere this time, and when the two of them begin to reconnect, all Cal’s good intentions to keep his heart intact fly out the window. Can Jenna convince Cal that this time, she’s here to stay?
When you have a couple who’ve split up under circumstances that didn’t involve cheating or trust issues or the like, it’s not hard to imagine that if they had strong feelings for each other, they wouldn’t really die out. And this is certainly the case for Jenna and Cal. What I really enjoyed about this story was how the two of them have grown and matured over their time apart but still have maintained the core of their personalities that drew them together in the first place. Jenna comes across as a warm, loving, generous person. Though she is nervous to see Cal again, especially since she was the one who broke things off in the first place, she faces him with a new maturity and strength, one Cal can see right away. She’s here in town to help her family, the one that got in the way of their relationship in the first place, and she’s determined to improve the image of their business and put her skills to work. Cal is a rather gruff, quiet individual. He’s hidden his heartbreak by refusing to let himself get seriously involved with a woman again and has succeeded in keeping himself closed off. He’s also a loyal and giving person, having raised his two younger brothers Brent and Max when his mother abruptly abandoned their family. But without a woman in his life he’s starting to take on the persona of his father, another gruff and taciturn individual. He’s decided that he doesn’t need a family of his own, having raised his brothers and gone through one heartbreak when he lost Jenna – having a wife and children is not in the cards for him. But Jenna re-appearing in his life is like a bolt of sunshine to his heart, lighting things up inside and breaking through those emotional barriers. She’s just as beautiful to him now as she was back then, and the searing attraction between them hasn’t faded over time. They can’t resist each other, and the love scenes between them are steamy and emotional.
'The Cal she was kissing now was all man. A man who knew what a kiss could do, how it affected a woman. How a kiss was its own skill. And boy, how she loved kissing this man. She squeezed his shoulders, fingers pressing into the muscle through the thin layer of his T-shirt. He moaned against her lips, and she opened her mouth. He went for it, delving his tongue inside her mouth, licking into her, tasting her, inhaling her. And God, maybe they were different people than they had been but this…this was the same. This hunger for each other, the intensity with which their bodies reacted in each other’s presence. It was the same, if not magnified.'
One of the more interesting aspects for me about this story is the relationship that Cal has with his brothers and his father. Having dealt with no maternal influence for so long and having taken up the mantle of caring for his family, he doesn’t see at first how much they support him too. They are there for him as much as the other way around and when push comes to shove, they band together. I loved Cal’s relationship with his brother Brent (who was a kick-ass character all on his own). There were lots of laughs and camaraderie between the two of them as they constantly bicker and fight for the upper hand. Also, Jenna’s friendship with Delilah, her best friend throughout high school, was fun and heartwarming. She’s a no-nonsense type of gal, giving Jenna the gears regarding her feelings for Cal and making her confront the reality of her feelings for Cal while still being strong and supportive. (Here’s hoping Delilah will get an HEA in the series too!)
When an unexpected surprise turns up in town, Cal does what he always does – becomes the solid, support for his family, unwavering in his dedication. Only this time, he has Jenna by his side, helping him and supporting him too. The harder he tries to keep his heart intact, the more he realizes that it’s a losing battle. Jenna, on the other hand, has already realized that Cal is still the one for her, and her patience and understanding with him are sweet to see. They are really a couple that deserves each other and though they have to deal with several things before they can be together, their happy ending was hugely satisfying. 5 stars for this great start to a new series! I can’t wait to see where it leads to next.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Note 2: This review has been posted on the Straight Shootin' Book Review blog athttp://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
When you have a couple who’ve split up under circumstances that didn’t involve cheating or trust issues or the like, it’s not hard to imagine that if they had strong feelings for each other, they wouldn’t really die out. And this is certainly the case for Jenna and Cal. What I really enjoyed about this story was how the two of them have grown and matured over their time apart but still have maintained the core of their personalities that drew them together in the first place. Jenna comes across as a warm, loving, generous person. Though she is nervous to see Cal again, especially since she was the one who broke things off in the first place, she faces him with a new maturity and strength, one Cal can see right away. She’s here in town to help her family, the one that got in the way of their relationship in the first place, and she’s determined to improve the image of their business and put her skills to work. Cal is a rather gruff, quiet individual. He’s hidden his heartbreak by refusing to let himself get seriously involved with a woman again and has succeeded in keeping himself closed off. He’s also a loyal and giving person, having raised his two younger brothers Brent and Max when his mother abruptly abandoned their family. But without a woman in his life he’s starting to take on the persona of his father, another gruff and taciturn individual. He’s decided that he doesn’t need a family of his own, having raised his brothers and gone through one heartbreak when he lost Jenna – having a wife and children is not in the cards for him. But Jenna re-appearing in his life is like a bolt of sunshine to his heart, lighting things up inside and breaking through those emotional barriers. She’s just as beautiful to him now as she was back then, and the searing attraction between them hasn’t faded over time. They can’t resist each other, and the love scenes between them are steamy and emotional.
'The Cal she was kissing now was all man. A man who knew what a kiss could do, how it affected a woman. How a kiss was its own skill. And boy, how she loved kissing this man. She squeezed his shoulders, fingers pressing into the muscle through the thin layer of his T-shirt. He moaned against her lips, and she opened her mouth. He went for it, delving his tongue inside her mouth, licking into her, tasting her, inhaling her. And God, maybe they were different people than they had been but this…this was the same. This hunger for each other, the intensity with which their bodies reacted in each other’s presence. It was the same, if not magnified.'
One of the more interesting aspects for me about this story is the relationship that Cal has with his brothers and his father. Having dealt with no maternal influence for so long and having taken up the mantle of caring for his family, he doesn’t see at first how much they support him too. They are there for him as much as the other way around and when push comes to shove, they band together. I loved Cal’s relationship with his brother Brent (who was a kick-ass character all on his own). There were lots of laughs and camaraderie between the two of them as they constantly bicker and fight for the upper hand. Also, Jenna’s friendship with Delilah, her best friend throughout high school, was fun and heartwarming. She’s a no-nonsense type of gal, giving Jenna the gears regarding her feelings for Cal and making her confront the reality of her feelings for Cal while still being strong and supportive. (Here’s hoping Delilah will get an HEA in the series too!)
When an unexpected surprise turns up in town, Cal does what he always does – becomes the solid, support for his family, unwavering in his dedication. Only this time, he has Jenna by his side, helping him and supporting him too. The harder he tries to keep his heart intact, the more he realizes that it’s a losing battle. Jenna, on the other hand, has already realized that Cal is still the one for her, and her patience and understanding with him are sweet to see. They are really a couple that deserves each other and though they have to deal with several things before they can be together, their happy ending was hugely satisfying. 5 stars for this great start to a new series! I can’t wait to see where it leads to next.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Note 2: This review has been posted on the Straight Shootin' Book Review blog athttp://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
June 12, 2017
Ein relativ einfaches, aber schönes Cover und ein Klappentext, der mich sofort neugierig auf das Buch gemacht hat. Von Beginn an war ich mittendrin, der Schreibstil ist angenehm und flüssig zu lesen.
Calvin und Jenna haben mir auch wirklich gut gefallen. Jenna ist nett verständnisvoll, liebenswert und einfach cool. Und Cal weiß eigentlich was er nicht will und will es nacher doch. :)
Asher fand ich unheimlich gut, er hat die ganze Angelegenheit aufgelockert und ist einfach cute.
Es war eine schöne Liebesgeschichte, die mich gut unterhalten hat. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächten Teil der Brüder.
Calvin und Jenna haben mir auch wirklich gut gefallen. Jenna ist nett verständnisvoll, liebenswert und einfach cool. Und Cal weiß eigentlich was er nicht will und will es nacher doch. :)
Asher fand ich unheimlich gut, er hat die ganze Angelegenheit aufgelockert und ist einfach cute.
Es war eine schöne Liebesgeschichte, die mich gut unterhalten hat. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächten Teil der Brüder.
June 18, 2015
My Thoughts:
I have read all of Megan Erickson's books, and loved every single one of them! Each book she has written has added polish and shine to her writing style. Ms. Erickson has a gift for hooking her readers, and engaging them in the story the whole way through. I was excited to learn that the Mechanics of Love Series, is a bit of a spin-off from the Bowler University Series! After I met Max Payton, I met his brothers Cal and Brent. I was very curious about the Payton brothers after learning a little bit about their background and childhood upbringing. Ms. Erickson has now given us the opportunity to read their stories, in this new series.
Cal is the oldest Payton brother. He took on the responsibility of raising his brothers when their mother left, and their father had no time for them. He is very serious, dedicated, loyal, hard-working, honest, gruff, and a bit grumpy. When he isn't working with his father and brother Brent repairing cars at the shop they all own, he prefers to be alone. Cal's world is turned upside down when his high school sweetheart, and the one love of his life, Jenna walks in to his shop. It's been ten years since they've seen each other, yet it feels like yesterday. Attraction still sizzles, and feelings for one another never went away.
Jenna left her career in New York, and has taken a new position working as the head of public relations for her family's business. She wants to settle down in the suburbs, get married, and raise a family. After all of these years, there has never been another man that has meant to her what Cal has. Jenna wants to spend quality time with Cal and see where it will lead. However, Cal says that he isn't the same man with the same dreams of wanting a family. He has settled in to bachelorhood, and doesn't want the responsibility of taking care of others and being tied down. Can Jenna make Cal realize that he wouldn't be giving anything up, but rather gaining something priceless, if he took a second chance at love?
Dirty Thoughts wowed me! It was a book where I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was hooked! The strong family relationship bonds between the Paytons was heartwarming. The depth of feeling between Cal and Jenna was beautiful to watch unfold. The sizzling chemistry, and heart pounding passion between these two characters would have fogged up my glasses, if I wore any. There were so many aspects of Dirty Thoughts that made it phenomenal. The fleshed out main characters, authentic and memorable secondary characters, and the way that the plot evoked so much feeling. This story was poignant, powerful, and an excellent feel-good read!
My Rating:
I give, Dirty Thoughts, by Megan Erickson, 4.5 Addictive, Sexy Anticipation, Magnetic Connection Filled Stars! The next story in the series, Dirty Talk, will be Brent's story! I just can't get enough of these Payton men!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
I have read all of Megan Erickson's books, and loved every single one of them! Each book she has written has added polish and shine to her writing style. Ms. Erickson has a gift for hooking her readers, and engaging them in the story the whole way through. I was excited to learn that the Mechanics of Love Series, is a bit of a spin-off from the Bowler University Series! After I met Max Payton, I met his brothers Cal and Brent. I was very curious about the Payton brothers after learning a little bit about their background and childhood upbringing. Ms. Erickson has now given us the opportunity to read their stories, in this new series.
Cal is the oldest Payton brother. He took on the responsibility of raising his brothers when their mother left, and their father had no time for them. He is very serious, dedicated, loyal, hard-working, honest, gruff, and a bit grumpy. When he isn't working with his father and brother Brent repairing cars at the shop they all own, he prefers to be alone. Cal's world is turned upside down when his high school sweetheart, and the one love of his life, Jenna walks in to his shop. It's been ten years since they've seen each other, yet it feels like yesterday. Attraction still sizzles, and feelings for one another never went away.
Jenna left her career in New York, and has taken a new position working as the head of public relations for her family's business. She wants to settle down in the suburbs, get married, and raise a family. After all of these years, there has never been another man that has meant to her what Cal has. Jenna wants to spend quality time with Cal and see where it will lead. However, Cal says that he isn't the same man with the same dreams of wanting a family. He has settled in to bachelorhood, and doesn't want the responsibility of taking care of others and being tied down. Can Jenna make Cal realize that he wouldn't be giving anything up, but rather gaining something priceless, if he took a second chance at love?
Dirty Thoughts wowed me! It was a book where I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was hooked! The strong family relationship bonds between the Paytons was heartwarming. The depth of feeling between Cal and Jenna was beautiful to watch unfold. The sizzling chemistry, and heart pounding passion between these two characters would have fogged up my glasses, if I wore any. There were so many aspects of Dirty Thoughts that made it phenomenal. The fleshed out main characters, authentic and memorable secondary characters, and the way that the plot evoked so much feeling. This story was poignant, powerful, and an excellent feel-good read!
My Rating:
I give, Dirty Thoughts, by Megan Erickson, 4.5 Addictive, Sexy Anticipation, Magnetic Connection Filled Stars! The next story in the series, Dirty Talk, will be Brent's story! I just can't get enough of these Payton men!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
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