Athena Wright is a USA Today Bestselling author of New Adult Romance. She loves to write about cocky rock stars and the women who tame their wild hearts. Hobbies include cooking, eating, and living out her rock star dreams at karaoke bars. Athena is perpetually on the hunt for her next caffeine fix.
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Welcome back to Sin and Tonic where there is something for everyone, any day of the week and good times await you anytime you walk through its doors. Athena Wright strikes again with another swoonyworthy book, # 2 in this new series which loosely ties in with some recognizable characters from her previous ones. It can stand alone but fans will appreciate the cameo appearances sprinkled in for their pleasure and delight! Some friends from Kiss and Tell, Sin and Tonic #1 might be heading over for a drink or two as well! 😉
You may have met Mason in the last book- playful, funny, sexy and a bit smug with a side of snarky??? What a hottie, but besides his coworkers, a bit lonely, hiding his fear of letting someone special into his new life, off the road now that he's not managing his best friends band anymore. He's been throwing himself into a new role, managing Sin and Tonic, the hot new bar in town where you never know who walk may through the front door... or the back!
Breanna, well, she's a loner lost in her own safe world now, a vagabond having left her hometown and the haunting memories there. She's been on the move every few months and living a temporary life as she attempts to outrun her grief. Her goal now is to travel, write about her experiences in her blog and go wherever the wind takes her, trying to fulfill a long bucket list that someone special to her can't join in completing now. She is basically has one friend and lacking a social life, but doesn't care, her sadness is the only companion she needs.
An invitation to enjoy a night of trivia, one of her favorite pastimes, sends Breanna out into the big bad world and straight into the path of the sexy 'bartender' (LOL), Mason. She can't help but notice everything about him but struggles with the guilt for feeling this way. He is instantly attracted to this feisty and beautiful game night competitor and makes sure she knows it too!
Come along and take the journey that begins with a tentative friendship, because what else could it be for Breanna and Mason? Could be more if hearts can be mended and fears are released. This needs to happen!!!
I have to say how much I look forward to and enjoy everything Athena gives us with her stories. This one was no exception. Her rockstar romances have been some of my favorites and now she is melting me into a puddle with her new series featuring the dirty talking men of Sin and Tonic along with ladies I can't help but love, that fall for them just like I did! This is a recommend from me and I'm looking so forward to my next visit to Sin and Tonic. Who will we met next?
Thanks to the author for providing me with an early version to read and enjoy. This review reflects my honest opinion of this story.
Athena sure packed in the emotion on this one! It's an emotionally gripping second chance at love romance that I could not put down. I am loving the Sin and Tonic world! The characters are fantastic! Mason and Bree do not lack in the chemistry department (in and out of the bedroom). I loved the complexity of both characters and love how they fit together. I can't wait for more!
For as much as the title states "Fun And Games" this was a pretty intense novel. The main female character was still trying to re-orient herself after her fiance died. Even though it has been a few years since his death, her fiance is still very much in the forefront of her mind and she is living out some of the dreams that they had as a couple. As well, she is still keeping items from when they were together and inconsequential items as well as very significant items.
She meets the main male character and there is a connection between the two of them. It was decided on a no strings kind of situation and that they really did not have a relationship. However, after a bit they were seeing each other every couple of days, as well as texting each other in between. They both came to care for the other but they never communicated these changes and evolved state of affairs and so both were left with their original concept of a no strings situation.
The main female character was really having trouble putting the main male character first in her life and just holding on to her memories of her deceased fiance. The main male character was very good with her and was gentle, kind and caring with her. The main female character had to stop and really think about her life and how she wanted things to play out.
This was a hard story to read, from the perspective of "listening" to someone try to absorb, accept and continue on with their life without a loved one who has died. I found myself crying a lot in the second half of the book. All this is not to say that this was not a good story and entertaining but I just choked up with the telling of this tale by Ms. Wright. It just got me in the heart (and tear ducts).
Well done Ms. Wright; you managed to wring out every ounce of emotion my poor little sensitive soul felt around these issues. Your writing was so poignant that I really felt like I was experiencing all the pain and angst that the main female was going through. I also felt the trepidation, concern and frustration that the main male character went through. For me, this novel needed to come with a warning: "Keep a fresh tissue box and garbage can at the ready.". Upon completing this novel I was both exhausted and stuffed up. Oh what us readers go through for you authors ... sigh ...
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
Where to begin with this entertaining book! Fun and Games is a standalone novel in this author’s Sin and Tonic series and it is sure to pull you in from the first page and keep you engaged until the very end. It is a story full of heartache, joy, humor, and passion. As with this author’s previous books, she weaves a beautiful story with endearing, well developed characters and an engaging storyline, all while putting you through all the feels you follow them on their winding journey.
Told from Bree’s POV, Mason and Bree experience a steamy one night stand which later evolves into friends with benefits. Bree’s past is heartbreaking and I found myself tearing up at times for this strong heroine. Having suffered a devastating loss, she decides to live life with no regrets and hasn’t planted down any roots. I love how she is a trivia geek and was amused by all of her temp jobs that allowed her to travel from place to place. Mason is the bar manager at Sin and Tonic, but was a former band manager for his friends who is now the owner of the bar. I adored this sexy, thoughtful man who guards his heart so fiercely that he can’t fathom that true love is real. The way he seemed to understand and connect with Bree left me swooning throughout the book.
Bree and Mason’s first meeting is hilarious and the two of them together are dynamite! I really enjoyed the various escapades that these two experienced and I loved seeing their relationship evolve. With one knowing what it is to have loved and lost and another so jaded into believing that love doesn’t exist, can these two overcome their obstacles and find their path to love?
I received an early complimentary version of this book.
You have to be careful that what you think is living isn't running in place.
Bree is determined to explore, live in the moment, hit all her bucket list points. Or is she? We meet Bree at a trivia night at our favorite bar, Sin & Tonic. She manages to make such an impression on Mason that she goes home with him. They have explosive chemistry. She is kind of scared he wants more than fun, but neither of them are ready for more than fun and friendship. Although while exploring this fun, they both find themselves slowly opening up. Maybe there is more than fun to be had but they both have some issues holding them back. I love this exploration of two damaged people and where they are and where they're going. Bree is all about the HEA even though it scares her when we meet her. And Mason thinks there is no such thing. Through all the bumps and bruises they eventually find their HEA together. I loved it!! I adore this Sin & Tonic expansion of the rock star world we already are so familiar with. I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Alls I can say is WOW ,the emotions in this book has left me feeling all cried out. This is a Beautiful read from Athena Wright about two people who both have trouble with relationships . Bree is suffering a very painful loss and is finding it very difficult to move on, so when she meets Mason and there is a connection and an undeniable chemistry between them, they both agree to pursue a no strings thing,she is not looking for anything serious and neither is Mason so just having a bit of Fun can do no harm can it ?. But as time goes on and they get to know one another will a casual bit of fun and games actually be enough . I loved reading how Bree and Mason worked through their issues and started to fall in love ,I think I fell in Love with Mason too he was so patient and Swoony he was exactly what Bree needed to help her let go of the past. Athena has written a fantastic story that will consume you emotionally but will leave you with a hope that its ok to love again after loss. Heart breaking ,Heart warming and compelling. I Loved it and I highly recommend it.
What an amazing read! I read the entire book in one day. I can honestly say that the series does not need to be read in order. I have not read Kiss and Tell yet, but it didn't disrupt the flow of Fun and Games.
Bree is what at first I thought was a free spirit, but when you get to reading you find out that she has experienced one of the worst tragedies that can happen to a person. She keeps people at bay and moves around a lot. I love the character development with Bree. I love to see how she grows and becomes stronger and decides to take her life back.
Mason is the manager of Sin and Tonic. He meets Bree by chance when she is about to throw a fit about not winning the pub trivia night. When these two meet, sparks fly. What started as a one night stand turns into friends with benefits to something so much stronger.
You might even need a tissue or two to get through this book. Well worth it for this great read.
What a sweet and charming little read. Athena does it again with a story that i just could not put down. Well done!!!
Here we have another story set in the Sin and Tonic series. Bree and Mason are getting their story. Mason is the very attractive manager of Sin and Tonic and Bree came to play a game of trivia. She planned on winning but ends up bringing Mason home for a night of some major fun. These two have explosive chemistry, but neither one really want anything except a good time. The thing about that is, when two people are meant to be, love finds a way. Even if they are kicking and screaming while they find it.
Absolutely loved these two together. Bree does believe in the HEA but doesn't. Mason is firmly in the no such thing corner. These two together have so many issues they have to worth through, with bumps along the way. But man was that journey an interesting ride. Loved it, and I highly recommend.
Oh. My. God! The feels are deep with this one. I went through a few tissues but the whole book is so good it is worth it. Bree is a walking wound. Her loss is terrible and great, so much so that it overwhelms her life. She has run from the pain but she’s carrying it around inside her, unwilling to face it. Mason has his own pain to deal with. He’s been used by so-called friends and lovers alike. All of them wanting a leg up or a connection to the music industry. Their attraction is supposed to be just for fun, until they develop deeper feelings. Mason doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after and Bree knows what it means to find it and lose it. I love seeing Mason’s walls come down with his puppy and when he isn’t looking, with Bree. Bree impressed me with the strength she finds to face the past and embrace a future with Mason. Highly recommended author and series
Bree comes off very afraid to place roots. She has 3 temp jobs, a blog and always on the move. Sure she's also become a closed door, she don't want to open her heart again. Yet, she loves her trivia and defends her answer, very loudly. This brings the bar manager Mason. He's a hottie who has friends in high places.
One night turns into friends with benefits. Which is okay with her because her heart can't take more. Yet he may say it's nothing more but come on...it's more.
Just like their story it's got raw emotion, it's a story where happy and sad tears fight to come out. It's got tons of Disney references, bad singing, PDA in dingy bars, trivia and just two hurt characters that together soothe the soul.
Athena knows how to make an insta a slow burn with real characters that deserve their chance at happiness. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
What a great, powerfully emotional story. This is the second standalone sin and tonic novel and we finally get to see into the life of Mason. He is guarded and very jaded when it comes to matters of the heart and relationships as everyone in his life is always asking for a favour without ever reciprocating their thanks in a genuine way. They only want to know him because of the favors they can use him for.
I really enjoyed watching Bree develop as a character. She suffered a devastating loss and has been trying to recover ever since. You can see that she feels adrift and is still still holding tightly onto the past. Once they start breaking down each other's walls, their beautiful chemistry is amazing to witness. I had to get out the tissues on a few occasions, but absolutely loved every minute. A great read. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
Bravo! Loved this equal parts hot and sweet tale about love and loss. Bree and Mason are a hit right off the bat, reeling you in with their 'live for today' vibe, but you quickly learn the heartbreaking reason why Bree lives like that. I think anyone who has ever lost anyone important to them will totally get why Bree feels as she does. Mason's a tougher nut to crack. You get to the real reason why he keeps people at arms length later in the story. Of course, that doesn't stop the steam between them from the minute they met. Mason is yummy, and a dirty talker to boot! All that and Lucky too? Bree's in for some fun, and not a minute to soon, she deserves it!
Oh. My. God! The feels are deep with this one. I went through a few tissues but the whole book is so good it is worth it. Bree is a walking wound. Her loss is terrible and great, so much so that it overwhelms her life. She has run from the pain but she’s carrying it around inside her, unwilling to face it. Mason has his own pain to deal with. He’s been used by so-called friends and lovers alike. All of them wanting a leg up or a connection to the music industry. Their attraction is supposed to be just for fun, until they develop deeper feelings. Mason doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after and Bree knows what it means to find it and lose it. I love seeing Mason’s walls come down with his puppy and when he isn’t looking, with Bree. Bree impressed me with the strength she finds to face the past and embrace a future with Mason. Highly recommended author and series
Unique and healing romance. Mason now manages a bar and grill that his friend owns. He’s not the ‘behind the desk’ sort of guys yet the other employees like him. Mason meets Bree and tries to draw her out. She’s not into relationships anymore, she has a one night quickie or takes care of things herself. Bree wants no connections with family or friends that she’s go through agony loosing them. The story and characters are well written, excellent and each holds secrets. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I like Ms. Wright’s books so I’ll be back!!
Two wounded souls find sanctuary... A heart healing story that I found very compelling. A one night stand, explosive sexual chemistry & the grief filled heroine & the fun & games hero evolved to friends with benefits & then she wasn't so keen to keep on running & he wanted her to stay. I read this in a recently released box set, having previously read the other three books. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed Mason and Bree’s story. There were some parts that were a little slow and almost lost me. It was worth getting to the end where the last few chapters really picked up.
A one night stand. That's all it is, all it can be. Mason has been burned too many times People pretending to be friends but only wanting something from him. Bree lost her future, her forever and she's made a vow to herself to live with no regrets. That means she is going to travel, see the world, have adventures; everything she should have never put off before. However, as Mason and Bree spend time together it's clear that Mason has stopped letting anyone in and Bree hasn't been living at all. Mason doesn't believe that a HEA is a possibility, Bree doesn't think she can survive another loss. Yet, they are drawn together. They may be exactly what the other needs to really live.
I love this Sin and Tonic series. Mason and Bree's story was sexy, touching, filled with both heartbreak and laughter. The characters are so genuine. Bree's story brought me to tears. I found myself frustrated with her until she admitted to herself what was really going on. Until then, I had a problem with her losing herself to grief. And before you say that I apparently have never lost someone, that I can't understand, think again. I have. I also understand that grief must be faced. Life is for the living. Deal with your emotions or you might as well be buried alongside your love. Harsh but true. Be good to yourself. Allow yourself to heal, don't guilt yourself, don't embrace the pain too long, don't be afraid to continue living. But all of this is easier said than done and that's why Bree was authentic. Mason was more understandably cynical and I think he just needs to proceed with caution and not hesitate to say no. Having a good woman in his corner will help. As closed off as he was to most people, he never held back with Bree. He was so gentle, understanding, and thoughtful. Mason and Bree were wonderful together. Their little day adventures and their steamy nights were everything. It was the little moments that made me fall in love with them. I want more; more IKEA, more Lucky, more trivia, more Disney, more Sin and Tonic!
Sometimes things aren’t what they appear to be....they can be even better if we let them. Then again how do we know it’s going to be better? When is it worth the risk or is it safer to not take a risk? In the case of Mason and Breanna they’re are in it for fun and games but as we all know the best laid plans somehow always change.
This is a story with ups and downs, emotional roadblocks and detours. It’s a lot like real life. How many times do we go into something with certain expectations and change during the relationship. We tell half truths or keep secrets because why expose ourselves or get invested when it’s only temporary? When is the appropriate time to get over your past? Can you really ever completely move forward from your past? Do you really want do? Are people people genuine or do you just get occasionally lucky?
These are just some of the issues brought to the table in this moving story. I don’t do spoilers. It’s not fair to the author. You can find out what you need in the blurb and then read the book. Where would the fun be if I told you everything?
What I will say is that this is the second book in the Sin and Tonic series and the author continues to keep the stories fresh. If you’ve read the previous book or books from her other series you’ll be happy to become reacquainted with some of your favorite characters. However, if this is your first book by the author don’t worry this is a total standalone. This story brought all the feels, along with beautiful puppies and then some. It touched both my heart as well as my soul.
I just loved this second book in the Sin and Tonic series. I was really drawn into this story having had a similar experience and could understand what Bree was going through.
She is a great character, smart, a little quirky, brilliant at trivia questions and a sore loser. She meets Mason when she makes a fuss about losing a bar trivia game and he steps into explains why she lost the point. Sparks fly between them and she has a intense night with him, but she will not let that distract her from the life plan she has been on since her fiance died.
As she spends more time with Mason she begins to question the path she is on and whether she should run away from her feelings or stay and allow things to develop with Mason. She is so wrapped up in her own pain that she doesn't see how much she is hurting Mason who is falling for her but who has issues of his own to overcome.
Athena does a great job of developing Bree's character as she begins realize that she should let her past with David go and live for the future, and that Mason is not the stranger that she thought he was but has actually been helping her for a long time. This is a more intense story than Athena's other books as it examines deep hurt and how it can affect your life in negative ways.
I loved seeing Bree's rock idol Cerise from Cherry Lips pop in and to Bree some words of wisdom that helped her to rethink her life. It is so easy to get wrapped up in this story which can be read as a stand alone, but is also a great addition to Athena's whole rock universe.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "SIN AND TONIC" WOW!!!! Be prepared this story full of emotion, heartache, grief, loss, fun, humor, passion you will defintely need tissues handy. Mason use to be on the road as manager of his BF'S band but being tired of being used by lovers and friends wanting a chance in the business cause of his connections to higher ups he now owns a very popular bar in town Sin and Tonic. Bree is a loner and on a journey that doesn't allow friendships she lost her fiance a few years ago and she's still reeling from the grief but she doing the things they'd have done as a couple. Mason is having trivia night at the bar Bree who loves the game of trivia comes to play and catches Mason's attention he immediately attracted to her and let's her known they spend a explosive night together but neither are looking for anything long term. This was such an addicting heartwrenching storyline with extremely well devoted characters Athena Wright is an awesome writer and knows how to pull her readers in I definitely recomnend to get this book so well worth the read you'll be emotionally exhausted when finished reading will Bree and Mason get a HEA you must get this book to find out I can't wait for the next book in this amazing series. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!!
Mason is Connor's workaholic best friend who runs Sin and Tonic. Mason meets Bree one night during trivia night at Sin and Tonic when Bree loudly disagrees with not being named the winner of trivia night. Bree is a woman who suffered a devastating loss and has vowed to live life to its fullest while crossing off points on her bucket list. Mason and Bree spend one hot and glorious night together. Mason and Bree find they have explosive chemistry together and agree there is no harm in having fun. As they spend time together, Mason and Bree begin to open up to each other, but Bree fears Mason may want more than friendship and fun. Can two damages people with issues overcome those issues and find their happily ever after? I LOVED Fun and Games by Athena Wright. Fun and Games is an amazing story with great characters who take the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride of love, loss, heartache, joy, explosive chemistry, and with some humor mixed in. Athena Wright is a MUST read author for this reader. I would highly recommend getting Fun and Games by Athena Wright. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
It may seem cliche for me to use the phrase from Ancient Roman times ( I googled it, who knew! ) "It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye." Or in this case their heart- but it came to mind as I read page after agonizing, yet heartwarming page of Mason and Bree's adventure.
Mason runs Sin and Tonic like nobodies business! A one tracked minded, self-inflicted workaholic; he doesn't stray from his mottos and lives a better life that way. Until the loud and proud trivia guru, Bree makes her presence known at Sin and Tonic one night. They're supposed to be on the same page as friends with benefits go. Dark layers run deep within them both. What happens when their wounds open enough to bleed? A chemical reaction neither could have predicted.
Woo! Emotional overload! Along with enough hotter than the center of the earth steam to power several cities! A ping pong of frustration smiles and heartache combine with well-written characters and storyline - Athena Wright keeps upping her skillset! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars!
Ms. Athena Wright actually touched a part of my heart with her latest release. Fun & Games has the kind of storyline that will melt your heart. Bree has been through an immense amount of pain in her young life and has moved on the best way she knows how to. However, after meeting Mason, it becomes clear that she has never truly healed. Spinning out of control with her feelings, Bree is forced to look inside herself and see if she's ready for a happy future for herself. Not only continuing on surviving, but by thriving. Mason is a incredible character. He is a gorgeous man as well as the bar Manager at Sin & Tonic that mostly keeps to himself. Everything changes upon these two fated characters meeting one another. I must say that the talent & creativity of Ms. Wright, shines right on through these wonderful and unique pages.
I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Fun And Games in exchange for my honest opinion and I highly recommend reading this book as well as anything written by Ms. Wright.
You have to be careful that what you think is living isn't running in place.
Bree is determined to explore, live in the moment, hit all her bucket list points. Or is she? We meet Bree at a trivia night at our favorite bar, Sin & Tonic. She manages to make such an impression on Mason that she goes home with him. They have explosive chemistry. She is kind of scared he wants more than fun, but neither of them are ready for more than fun and friendship. Although while exploring this fun, they both find themselves slowly opening up. Maybe there is more than fun to be had but they both have some issues holding them back. I love this exploration of two damaged people and where they are and where they're going. Bree is all about the HEA even though it scares her when we meet her. And Mason thinks there is no such thing. Through all the bumps and bruises they eventually find their HEA together. I loved it!! I adore this Sin & Tonic expansion of the rock star world we already are so familiar with. I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This one is part two in the series, but you would not have to read book 1 first. It is a chance meeting, great chemistry playful love story. But both the main characters have baggage they are hiding. The friendship grows so strong, until they cant resist each other. Great love story
It’s all Fun and Games until someone loses their heart
Athena has this way of reeling you in with her stories... you get steamy love scenes, swoon worthy guys, laughter, and raw emotion. There hasn’t been one story of hers where I haven’t laughed out loud or wiped away tears. Mason and Bree have both suffered loss. Different situations, but still drastically changed their outlook on life. She’s running from her past, he wants to conveniently forget his, neither are looking for love... funny how fate finds it anyway. Loved it, recommend it... amazing read!
In this story we meet Mason, hottie bar manager and super trivia geek, restless wanderer Bree. They are the perfect match but both allow their past to influence their growing relationship (or friends-with-benefits relationship as they call it:) Fun and Games, Sin & Tonic Book 2, is a fun read because the reader knows the source of all the angst and drama in their lives. It's super fun to know a secret that the characters don't. And although this one was a little sad for me (Bree lost a fiance) the book itself was upbeat and positive. Mason and Bree were off-the-charts combustible, and once they aired and solved their issues, true love prevailed. Getting a peek at some "old" characters was a plus. Great writing, fun characters (obscure trivia facts, Disney movie maniacs & dog lovers rejoice)-another overall worth-it read! I received an ARC copy to review.
Fun and Games was an amazing read! I love everything about this story between Mason and Bree, the connection that they have is wonderful. This book had me going through the emotions because both of them were dealing with things that they were not ready to facing without being with each other. Bree was dealing with a very big lose in her life and Mason was able to get her to come to deal with her emotions instead of running from them like she always has. Their relationship was supposed to be a no strings like of deal, fun and games. Throughout the book I fell in love with Mason too, he had me swooning the entire book. I really liked this book and I hope to see the next book in the Sin and Tonic series.
Short review. POV: Bree Warning: 0 Heat: 4 Sadness: 5 Read with tissue. Overall story: 4 A really sweet moving love story. Bree and Mason chemistry is not only steamy but sweet and enduring, they both start off not looking for a serious relationship do to past heartbreaks. Too bad their hearts don't seem to understand that, no matter how much they tell themselves and each other this is casual the more they fall deeper for each other. I really felt Bree's grief and how deeply she loved Daniel, I do wish we had gotten flashbacks to their relationship but even without there was no doubt how deeply they love each other. I thought the author did a great job of showing the struggles of grief and opening your heart up to a second chance at love.