When by the book Harry Bradley gets thrown together with his sister’s best friend EJ, opposites don’t just attract, they explode.
She’s my sister’s best friend. A woman who calls to me on every level, but she can’t stand me. Our one date ended when she deemed it over and left–before we even ordered food. So I shouldn’t want her.
But I do.
Still, I’ve mastered controlling my emotions and my lusting…well, mostly. Of course, when she suggests we work together to promote both of our businesses, I jump at the chance. That chance leads to a kiss…and so much more.
Now, if I can just restrain my control freak ways, all will be well.
Warning: This book includes more cupcakes (of course), meddling friends, romance book references, a gun-toting Grandma, a trip out of state, wine, more cupcakes, and a dirty talking hero who not only surprised the heroine, but also this author. I’m not embarrassed…not really. Okay, maybe a little…a lot. Never mind. Just know that you have been warned and I will not be held responsible for any blushing in public. Also…CUPCAKES.
Could have been a great read but it was a DNF for me when How am I suppose to believe in the romance after this?
On the plus side, for those who don't like virgin heroines, this one is not one of them. She has an active sex life. She said that she dates a lot and even sleeps with some that she is attracted to. So no wallflower here....
This book needed an editor, badly. The story itself was just ok. It had no depth, no humour, just two people who refused to talk to each other about their feelings. They circled each other the whole book, tip toeing around commitment but having frequent, not that entertaining sex. Honestly this was disappointing. The concept of these books is good, the execution terrible. Couple of glaring issues: 1. EJ was planning an event in her bookstore for most of the book. It was for the holiday Día de los Muertos except the whole book the author called it Día de la Muertos. Why wouldn’t she spell check this before publishing? 2. There was a character named Savannah in this book, one of the three best friends this series is about, but also the author made EJ from Savannah. At one point she had to return home and Savannah was telling everyone how EJ had to go to Savannah and it was just confusing. I think this was edited at one point because occasionally EJ was in Charleston instead. So huge continuity issue. 3. This book was mostly written in first person point of view, but fairly often, especially in Harry’s chapters, the pov would switch to third person. Sometimes this would happen within the same sentence.
Overall I was very bored by this and skimmed the last 30 pages. There is one more left in the series and I honestly don’t think I can deal with this sloppy writing again.
Es un libro ligero y fácil de leer. Cumple con su propósito como libro erótico, pero no me enganchó tanto como el primero.
Los protagonistas en este libro eran Harry (hermano de la protagonista anterior) y EJ (mejor amiga de protagonista anterior). Al final siento que fue lo mismo que la historia de Ed y Allison, pero algunas cosas cambian. Ejemplo: Lo de la pareja principal del primer libro era algo que llevaba arrastrándose por años, mientras que lo de esta pareja era más reciente. También está que EJ le tiene pánico al compromiso por problemas personales, en el libro anterior ninguno tenía miedo al compromiso.
La trama en general era bastante simple. Hermano mayor se enamora de la mejor amiga de su hermanita. Lo que sí me gusta y quiero recalcar es que él cayó primero, me encanta cuando pasa eso en los libros.
No hay mucho más que decir, la verdad.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si quieres algo ligero que no impactará tu vida, léelo.
This is the 2nd book in the Camos & Cupcakes series. You have southern belle EJ and Texas hottie Harry and the combination is explosive. The story draws you in right away as we explore their dynamic relationship. Fighting against what the heart needs EJ learns to navigate the perils of believing she’s not worthy of receiving love. Harry slowly peels away the walls she erected around her heart that prevent her from giving in and allowing her to love fully. The two together are off the charts! It’s a sexy, dirty talking, take your breath away, shed a few tears guilty pleasure. What’s more is the way Melissa Schroeder sets up for the next book in the series. Can’t wait to read about Savannah and Fritz! Allison and Ed are still in the picture so I feel like I’m binge reading book 1 & 2. Plus EJ’s cradle robbing granny is hysterical.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luscious was an enjoyable story. That builds on the great foundation Melissa Schroeder started in Delicious with these six core characters EJ, Harry, Ed, Allison, Savannah and Fritz. Who are all delightful and engaging in their own ways.
And whilst I didn't connect with this one as much as I did the first. There was no doubt it was sexy, sweet and fun to read. And there were so many little touches to the story that I felt personally that I couldn't help but become engaged. Not to mention it was well written and paced and I'm certainly excited to read Fritz's story when it's released furthermore I would happily recommend Luscious to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review**
If you loved “Delicious,” you’re going to adore “Luscious”! Harry and EJ are perfect for each other, even though it takes them some time to realize it, it’s obvious from the start. Although their journey is a bumpy one, as with anything that’s worth having, their HEA is well worth the ride. This is a deliciously charming friends to lovers tale which you really don’t want to miss. It’s easy to read but hard to put down, and you’ll definitely want to stick around for the next in the series, “Scrumptious”!
Lucious is the second book in the Camos and Cupcakes series and I loved this story. It's a fun story with wonderful characters. Harry and his sister’s best friend, EJ, have explosive chemistry together but two control freaks in one relationship make things a little difficult. Harry needs to convince EJ that they can be together if they work on it. With help from friends and family, they just might make it.
Can the "Date from Hell" turn into "Happiness from Heaven"? I can't wait for more Camos and Cupcakes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m in love with all Melissa Schroeder books. This is the first book in this series that I’ve read - I’ll definitely be reading the others! A wonderful mix of timidness and hotness - who knew that Harry would have such panty-melting qualities! EJ is one lucky woman to have Harry panting after her. But then again, Harry, in my opinion, won the lottery with EJ. A match that was meant to be. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luscious: A Best Friend's Brother Romantic Comedy (Camos and Cupcakes Book 2) By: Melissa Schroeder "Luscious" Is A Great Read With An Awesome Balance Between Drama & "Luscious," S€X¥ Times!! OMG... He's "Luscious," but Mr "Luscious" IS Sooo NOT for ME! After our Date From H€LL, we're just business... Still... A Girl can LOOK & Fantasize about THAT "Luscious" BODY, Can't She!?! HOT D@mn... She's "Luscious," & She makes Me HARD! Every D@mn Time She talks, walks, or Even LOOKS at ME! But... Ms. "Luscious" made IT perfectly clear, She's Sooo NOT interested in ME! Even though I can't get Ms. "Luscious" outta MY Head, or STOP MY Body from sitt'n UP & begging for Her WhenEver it gets a LOOK, a Sniff, or Even the faint Sound of Her Sweet Voice! Then, Outta the Blue, Ms. "Luscious" has a Proposal... Sure it's Business... But it comes with an invitation to Dinner, And I'm ALL too eager to accept! As this'll be the closest to Her "Luscious" Body I've been in awhile, & we'll be alone~ Hopeful MUCH!! Maybe this will be the beginning of a Second Chance... Between two "Luscious" people, Who are Hiding their Attraction behind some Pretty "Luscious" Smiles! Stay Tuned for a "Luscious" Treat... ONE that's sure to Delight your Senses IN some very, VERY "Luscious" ways! I was granted an ARC of Melissa Schroeder's "Luscious: A Best Friend's Brother Romantic Comedy (Camos and Cupcakes Book 2)" via B00|{$P®0UT. I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given! Until next time... Happy Reading!
Luscious, Camos and Cupcakes: Book 2 by Melissa Schroeder
EJ (Elliana) James has owned Magnolia Books, a romance only bookstore that always has a HEA but, she doesn’t think she will get her own.
Harry Bradley is part owner of Camos and Cupcakes with his two buddies, Ed and Fritz from the military. Business has been thriving since they opened the doors.
EJ has had a crush on one of her best friends’ brother for the last ten years but she won’t do anything about it after the “Date from Hell” they had 18 months ago. She doesn’t believe they are compatible because they both like control. Harry has had the hots for EJ for a few years and thought their date went well until she stood up and just walked out. Now he finds himself trying to figure what he did wrong and why she hates him so much. She has almost become an obsession to him. He thinks she is sexy when she is mad so he can’t help but poke her to get a rise out of her. One night they get together at her place to talk about cross promotion for their businesses when Harry asks her why she hates him. Harry wants her to give him a chance to prove that he is boyfriend material. They lay down guidelines, because why wouldn’t two controlling people not do that!? What happens when one of them wants to change the rules? Will they crash and burn like their date or will they get their own HEA?
OMG, I absolutely loved this book! Harry seemed so straitlaced that when the dirty words came out of his mouth it was shocking but in a yummy way. Who knew? I almost felt like I was cheating on ED from the first book. Sorry Ed! Harry is always so stern looking but with her he has a goofy smile on his face. He also seems more relaxed and can even joke around more. When Harry feels off balance all EJ needs to do is give him a look and his tilted world will come back into focus so he can breathe again. EJ was afraid that he would want more than she was able to give him. Instead, she finds that giving her heart to him wasn’t so hard when she learned to let go of her fears and trust him. Its something that never came easy to her.
EJ had a few fears about a relationship with Harry. What I liked about the way her problem was handled, was that she wasn't mean to Harry solely because she was afraid. I have read a few books where the h becomes really unpleasant and nasty to the H out of fear. That wasn't a problem with Harry and EJ. I guess I do have to admit that EJ referring to their first date as the DFH (date from hell) wasn't particularly kind or sweet. Lol.
Harry was the kind of guy lots of women would want to date. Business saavy, sweet, sexy, handsome, tall, caring, considerate, patient, and a great friend. EJ was was strong, independent, confident, business saavy in her own right, and a great friend.
Harry and EJ together set the room on fire while developing a loving friendship and relationship. They were supportive of each other and allowed themselves to be vulnerable together.
I loved the fact that you sort of get two epilogue in this book. I really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait for the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy received from the author via Booksprout.
This was a fantastic read. This installment of this series builds upon the last. Ed and Allison are working on their wedding, while their friends / business partners Harry, Savannah, Fritz and EJ try to keep their lives and businesses on track. After the DFH EJ and Harry don’t spend much time together, but they will both put aside any differences for the sake of their respective shops. Working together on a project is all they need to reignite the spark.The other major take away from this book was that as parents we can never underestimate the long term effect our choices have on our children.
I love this new series from Melissa Schroeder! Tough guys with a gooey center—pun intended! Strong heroine that can stand on her own and meets the guy not threatened by that. Mel’s writing is snappy, funny, and moving. And I love EJ’s mama and grandmother. Too funny! Must. Read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
EJ wasn't my favorite character but Harry comes close. The man is a saint. This book just wasn't as fast moving for me as Allison and Ex's book was. I can't wait for Savannah and Fritz!
EJ and Harry were wonderful! They were so darn steamy together, that it was easy to miss the depth of emotion they had for each other. But it was all there, and while they didn’t have an easy time getting it all sorted out, once they did, it was magic!
5 star review Luscious (Camos and Cupcakes #2) by Melissa Schroeder
The second book was just as entertaining as the first book. This time Harry Bradley is in the hot seat. Despite himself Harry has feelings for his little sister’s best friend EJ. They may be total opposites and she drives him insane but he cannot ignore the feelings she brings to the surface. Joining forces with EJ to work together to promote their businesses, Harry’s restraint will be tested time and again. I love how alpha Harry was and EJ is so sassy and feisty I could easily see her as a friend. However EJ also has a great deal of baggage which has coloured her outlook on life. Can Harry ease back on his controlling ways and give EJ the space that she needs? The friendships between these characters really made for entertaining reading, particularly the text messages which had me laughing out loud at times and earned me a few odd looks from my family. Oh and do not get me started on EJ’s grandmother, what a fantastic character she is. Watching the journey Harry and EJ travelled to get their happily ever after was heart warming and steamy.
Oh my gosh! This book was soooooo good! Meet Harry, a man who needs to be in control and E.J., a woman who refuses to let any man control her. Can you even imagine the sparks that fly? Nope. Trust me, you can’t. This book will leave you fanning yourself and saying “Oh, my!” as your Kindle melts in a puddle on your lap. Harry has been mooning over E.J. since before their first (and last) date and E.J. refuses to let herself believe in relationships because, well, men always leave and protecting her heart is more important than anything else. Fortunately, Harry knows what he wants and is willing to do everything in his power to win over his girl. This book has seriously funny self commentary and besties (on both sides) that rock. Allison, Ed and Fritz from the first book “Delicious” (which, by the way, was also really, really good) make frequent appearances and make this book even more fun. Pour yourself a glass of wine, snuggle into your favorite chair and enjoy the ride!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holy smoke! Whew that was inferno hot. I was so excited to read the next installment of this series. The first book was fantastic and I knew this one would be two. Harry is butter cream icing on red velvet cake yummy. I love a dirty talking man. Harry and EJ were exactly what each other need and I enjoyed every bit of their story. It provided everything I want in a romantic comedy. It was full of laughter, great sex, loyal friends, and great characters. The errors and sometimes repeat dialogue for me didn’t distract from the story besides that should be correcting in the final editing. Bring on Fritz and Savannah’s story. Melissa writes wonderfully funny and sexy stories with equally wonderful characters. Give yourself a treat and read her books. Until next time y’all happy reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ok so I love Melissa Schroeder's books so much and this was no different. I love this serious and Luscious is no exception. Typically I do not like first author perspectives, but the book is written so well it sucks you in immediately. Melissa is a master at her craft. The characters are captivating and beautifully real. I knew Harry and EJ would have a hot hot romance. Their personalities were a fire keg waiting to happen. It is such a realistic push and pull with them, with each being scared to go further into the relationship but wanting to as well. Their history is important in their character development and Melissa is meticulous about making sure the reader understands what make these characters unique and ultimately lovable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was so much fun being inside these characters' brains as they told their story! I had many laugh out loud moments and really had a hard time putting this book down. When life required me to, I kept thinking about the story and when I could get back to reading it. The author has really created a group of friends that you just want to be with. The supporting characters (aka EJ's mom and grandma) were so much sass and southern class. The epilogue was just icing on the cupcake. Read the first, then read this one, then wait impatiently for the third! I'm hooked!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series is fabulous fun! Former military guys running a cupcake shop? There can't be anything hotter. EJ, Elliana James, is best friends with Allison, Harry's sister. She also owns a romance only bookstore across from the bakery. She and Harry dated once, the Date from Hell, and never tried again. That zip and zing is still there they just needed something to make it happen. Each of these books is a standalone but the previous couples will make cameos, this group is closer than close. Just a fun romance with plenty of heat, laughter and some feelings. Received an early copy, review given freely.
The second book in the series brings Harry and EJ's story. The author brings a strong , hot and caring man and a strong independent woman , gives them a hot chemistry and fiery relationship with some hilarious bantering and weaves a sweet,sexy and fun romance. The heated dirty talk is truly luscious!! The author brings the story to life with her detailed writing and vividly painted scenes. I loved and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
For EJ, strength is her independence and ability to not depend on men, but Harry has a change of plans and goes about showing her there is strength in love as well. Live the characters and the story is wonderful. The back and forth between all the friends really makes me smile. I love Granny she is one woman with a lot of spunk.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harry and Elliana had a DFH a year ago and that was it for them. Or was it? Harry knows EJ is special and wants to know more about her. When she wants to discuss business with him he knows its his way to get to spend time with her. Will EJ let her walls down and realize love is worth a chance? Will Harry keep calm and not scare her away? Full of fun and laughter with some real tough choices along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yummo!! I ate this book up. Harry and EJ are such a hardcore couple. Their story is awesome. I love how the friends all are so involved within everyone's life. They've become a family. I so can't wait the next book in this series!!
If you want a sweet love story, Luscious is a great read. The two main characters Harry and EJ are a match made in heaven. Their bumpy beginnings are so worth their HEA. Luscious is the second book of this series, and had become one of my favorites. Melissa Schroeder always develops a world readers can slip away too.
I loved the story of EJ and Harry. I loved that you were given both points of view in this story. I loved the fact that the Harry and EJ had friends and/or family that they could depend on to help them reach their HEA. I liked that the characters were not one-dimensional and not perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one was pretty good, not a lot of drama, just a freak out from EJ when she realized she loved Harry and she didn't do love. EJ did manage to get her head out of her ass and the two of them were able to find their HEA.
It's Harry and EJ's turn. Now we know why their first date was dubbed DFH. But even so, they have intense attraction and chemistry. So Harry wanted to know if they actually could make it work.
I fell in love with Harry so fast. He's just so sweet and so sexy. EJ was a lot harder to connect though because she's always finding a reason not to give Harry a real chance. Granted, she has an effed up family issues. Harry was nothing but patient with her all the way.