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Desert Rose Hook-Ups #2
Being Cordial
Getting to know your neighbor has its benefits...
Lana Martin does things by the numbers. Thinking choices through with the help of her trusty spreadsheets is how she lives her life. It’s safe, comfortable, logical. A method that never failed her… Until she strayed all because of the annoying neighbor she’s yet to formally meet.
Emilio Ramirez likes to have fun and enjoy himself. Life’s too short for overthinking and second guesses. He thought himself to be friendly, and likeable… Until he crosses paths with his next door neighbor. A woman that seems to have a permanent scowl reserved for him.
Loud music and a dog that doesn’t care about boundaries just may have these two sharing more than a wall.
Lana Martin does things by the numbers. Thinking choices through with the help of her trusty spreadsheets is how she lives her life. It’s safe, comfortable, logical. A method that never failed her… Until she strayed all because of the annoying neighbor she’s yet to formally meet.
Emilio Ramirez likes to have fun and enjoy himself. Life’s too short for overthinking and second guesses. He thought himself to be friendly, and likeable… Until he crosses paths with his next door neighbor. A woman that seems to have a permanent scowl reserved for him.
Loud music and a dog that doesn’t care about boundaries just may have these two sharing more than a wall.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2020
5 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Meka James
20 books293 followersI'm a stay at home mom of 4 kids and have been happily married to my husband for 11 years and counting. I lead a pretty basic and straightforward life and use writing and reading as my escape.
Best places to find me:
Blog:
http://mekasmusings.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AuthorMekaJames
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/author_meka...
Best places to find me:
Blog:
http://mekasmusings.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AuthorMekaJames
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/author_meka...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 16, 2022
While I enjoyed the first book in this series, I didn't like BEING CORDIAL at all. Both the MCs are jerks to each other and I honestly have no idea what they liked about each other outside of the sex. Emilio is arrogant and cocky, which isn't always a bad thing, but he's also rude to Lana from the beginning, calling her an Ice Queen to his friend while standing in front of her, making fun of her structured personality and life, and frequently calling her "bitchy". He says he's a nice guy but I don't see it in the way he treats Lana.
Of course it's not all Emilio that's the problem, Lana is also rude and constantly insulting Emilio, often by accident. She never once has a positive thought about him other than sexually related things; she complains about his clothes, his loud music, him playing basketball with the neighbor, his muscle car, it goes on and on. Also, personal note, I'm on Emilio's side about Lana letting her little dog run around the neighborhood; that's super annoying, put a leash on your dog please.
There was never a moment where I liked the MCs and or even saw a softer side to their interactions. They had so much animosity between them that the first time they had sex it felt very out of place and abrupt. Spontaneous hate sex I would have understood but that's not what it was. Maybe if BEING CORDIAL were longer there would be more time to see their feelings change from dislike to love but it doesn't happen. At the last chapter Emilio has only just gotten Lana to agree to give them a try even though she finds him annoying and the epilogue jumps to 6 months later with them in love, practically living together, and getting engaged. Nothing in the epilogue gives any clues as to how they got there other than great sex.
Of course it's not all Emilio that's the problem, Lana is also rude and constantly insulting Emilio, often by accident. She never once has a positive thought about him other than sexually related things; she complains about his clothes, his loud music, him playing basketball with the neighbor, his muscle car, it goes on and on. Also, personal note, I'm on Emilio's side about Lana letting her little dog run around the neighborhood; that's super annoying, put a leash on your dog please.
There was never a moment where I liked the MCs and or even saw a softer side to their interactions. They had so much animosity between them that the first time they had sex it felt very out of place and abrupt. Spontaneous hate sex I would have understood but that's not what it was. Maybe if BEING CORDIAL were longer there would be more time to see their feelings change from dislike to love but it doesn't happen. At the last chapter Emilio has only just gotten Lana to agree to give them a try even though she finds him annoying and the epilogue jumps to 6 months later with them in love, practically living together, and getting engaged. Nothing in the epilogue gives any clues as to how they got there other than great sex.
May 30, 2020
This is the first book of Meka James I have read. I absolutely loved it. Perfect book for me because it is my personality that Lana has. This book is snarky and funny. This book is so perfectly written and it reminds me of my boyfriend and myself, exact personalities of Lana and Emilio.
I got a free copy of the book and is voluntarily leaving a review
I got a free copy of the book and is voluntarily leaving a review
June 27, 2020
Guys, this novella is just the most fun thing in the world Lana and Emilio are HOT. Like the most awesome, snarky, enemies-to-lovers, banter-y couple ever. Also, Yoda is the best dog. This is just FUN in all the best ways. The chemistry sizzles every single second and there are so many laugh-out-loud comebacks and it's just a joy to read. I can't see what other couples find each other in the complex!
April 29, 2020
Being Cordial is the third book in the Desert Rose series by Meka James (check out Being Neighborly and Being Hospitable if you haven’t yet had the pleasure) and is the short, fun, sexy read you need in your life immediately. Especially with the current condition of the world, all romance books with their guaranteed happily ever afters are a staple in our mental and emotional diets, but something you can quickly devour and get the pick-me-up that you need? That redefines essential.
Emilio and Lana are about as opposite as you can get. Lana plays by the rules and examines everything from every angle before making any decision. Unfortunately this resulted in her losing out on the end unit she wanted when carefree, living-for-the-moment Emilio swoops in and snatches it up. Instead Lana is now relegated to sharing a wall with the annoyingly sexy man and his loud, thumping music.
But fate steps in and delivers the blue screen of death to Lana’s laptop just as she is in the middle of a big work project. And the closest and fastest repairman just so happens to be the guy on the other side of the wall who manages to get under her skin without even trying.
For Lana and Emilio a broken laptop is the gateway to finding mutual interests and indulging in their lusty attraction to each other. But is mind-blowing sex and a few laughs enough to soften Lana’s prickly attitude toward her boisterous, effervescent, and fun-loving neighbor?
Preorder Being Cordial today and get a nice little smexy gift dropped into your ereader on May 8th when this tasty read goes live!
Emilio and Lana are about as opposite as you can get. Lana plays by the rules and examines everything from every angle before making any decision. Unfortunately this resulted in her losing out on the end unit she wanted when carefree, living-for-the-moment Emilio swoops in and snatches it up. Instead Lana is now relegated to sharing a wall with the annoyingly sexy man and his loud, thumping music.
But fate steps in and delivers the blue screen of death to Lana’s laptop just as she is in the middle of a big work project. And the closest and fastest repairman just so happens to be the guy on the other side of the wall who manages to get under her skin without even trying.
For Lana and Emilio a broken laptop is the gateway to finding mutual interests and indulging in their lusty attraction to each other. But is mind-blowing sex and a few laughs enough to soften Lana’s prickly attitude toward her boisterous, effervescent, and fun-loving neighbor?
Preorder Being Cordial today and get a nice little smexy gift dropped into your ereader on May 8th when this tasty read goes live!
November 26, 2025
"Being Cordial" is the second book in the "Desert Rose Hook-Ups" by Meka James. Lana does not like her neighbor, Emilio, at all. She doesn't understand why he is so hot and why he seems to have a bad attitude. Emilio doesn't know what he did to make his neighbor so angry all the time. Lana goes to Emilio for help, and she gets a little more than she bargained for. I enjoyed this story by Meka and felt she did a great job with the characters. My favorite scene was the bet that they made and the things the other had to do if they lost. I like that these stories are short and have just enough in them to keep me wanting to move on to the next.
May 7, 2020
Ms. James strikes with her sexiness and original, authentic characters again. I couldn't put this down and was sad when it was over. Emilio dripped sex appeal and I was dreaming of him calling me 'Ma.' I hope the author keeps up with this series and these are really enjoyable stories and she has a gift for how she tells them.
August 9, 2020
Being cordial indeed. We should all be so lucky to have a neighbor like Lana. This book was short, hot and sexy, and I was very satisfied with the ending. Definitely recommend.
May 10, 2020
Lana doesn’t seem to have a cordial bone in her body. She complained about all the stuff that is considered typical neighbor issues. The music is too loud. His car is too loud. He’s playing basketball at a neighbors house and the ball rolls in our driveway. Somebody parked too close to her driveway and she supposedly couldn’t get out. With a little Notes to explain or complain about the little mishap that comes with being a neighbor. Emilio so laid-back it’s funny. He knows that he could push her buttons no matter what happens. He can blink at her and she gets into a tiff and storms off. But we are computer crashes and she’s screaming up a storm she accidentally stumbled on what his profession is. She just thought he was some guy who just hang out all day and didn’t have a job kind of. As much as he wants to push her buttons he was raised better than that. Offering to help fix a computer lead to being cordial. Even though every time she comes to apologize the prettiness comes out. But for Emilio that’s just another way of foreplay. No cliffhangers. Very funny situations that she has gotten herself into that he graciously let her get out of with some kind of dignity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2020
The hero in this story is confident and sexy as all get-out. Check out the book cover -- it matches his description inside the book. The heroine, Lana is uptight and irrational--taking her lack of decision-making out on her sexy neighbor, Emilio. Lana struggles with connecting with people. When she couldn't see why her dog, Yoda-Ren wasn't a welcome visitor (he leaves gifts) by her neighbor, I knew I was dealing with someone special. Lana had the uncanny ability to always put her foot in her mouth around Emilio. Emilio's personality allowed him to take it all in stride and the only one obsessing and stressing was Lana!
I would love a longer version of this story so I could see the growth (and softer side) in Lana's character without being told. I tried to see what the hero saw in her but came up a bit short. Emilio on the other hand was everything!
I'd love an alternate version of this story where Lana is able to express her interest in her neighbor without the snark. This is still an enjoyable read. Recommended: Read It!
ARC.
I would love a longer version of this story so I could see the growth (and softer side) in Lana's character without being told. I tried to see what the hero saw in her but came up a bit short. Emilio on the other hand was everything!
I'd love an alternate version of this story where Lana is able to express her interest in her neighbor without the snark. This is still an enjoyable read. Recommended: Read It!
ARC.
October 17, 2024
I listened to the audiobook for the 3rd book in this series earlier this month, so I thought I'd read this one too. I really did not like this. The characters don't even like each other, and then it just becomes a sex-fest and the way they start having sex (she says "fuck me" after her computer crashes and he goes "ok" and starts taking off his top, and she calls his bluff) was just SO out of left-field. I wanted to skip every sex scene. Then I found myself avoiding listening the the audio and instead doing stuff without anything playing (that's when you KNOW I hate something), and I was this close to DNFing when I realised there was only 10 minutes left in the audio so I stuck to it. But I was SHOCKED to realise the book was basically finished when like, the characters were still in the enemies part of the enemies-to-lovers part of a book.
Also I just can't imagine finding a man who calls women "females" attractive.
Also I just can't imagine finding a man who calls women "females" attractive.
May 8, 2020
This book from beginning to end...I absolutely loved it. It kept me entertained. These two people were opposites but they were so right for each other. Lana uptight and sassy while Emilio cocky and cool personality worked well together. I have to give it to Emilio though, he had a lot of patience to deal with Lana's attitude but he saw more than attitude..he saw the humor and passion in her.The humor, the banter, the sexy times were all great. I hated that it ended. After reading this book , I have become a fan of the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2020
This is a hot read. The chemistry and bickering kick things off with one neighbor having what the other coveted...maybe...before they both find exactly what they want in each other.
This one is "bring out the fans" kind of steamy with a frenemies relationship that makes it even more than hot sex-although let's face it, I'll buy a book for this kind of well written spicy scenes alone. The witty back-and-forth, both of them being successful professionals, and the cute dog is all bonus.
Definitely recommend.
This one is "bring out the fans" kind of steamy with a frenemies relationship that makes it even more than hot sex-although let's face it, I'll buy a book for this kind of well written spicy scenes alone. The witty back-and-forth, both of them being successful professionals, and the cute dog is all bonus.
Definitely recommend.
November 2, 2020
Un libro rápido de leer sobre Lana y su vecino al quien detesta y como empiezan su relación. Es bastante rápido y divertido ver como se sacan de quicio y se arreglan momentos después. El libro también es bastante sexy pero el final fue muy rápido para mi gusto, aún así creo que fue un buen final para la historia.
Lo recomiendo si quieren algo rápido y divertido!
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Lo recomiendo si quieren algo rápido y divertido!
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December 17, 2020
The guy you hate to love
Emilio is that guy in you class, that neighbor down the block, that stranger you see every morning at the coffee shop; sexy as hell and cocky to a fault, but you can’t help but stare and imagine. I hated how much I smiled whenever I read his comments, but Lana felt that same way so apparently it’s a mood.
I liked this very much because ... talk about when opposite attract.
Emilio is that guy in you class, that neighbor down the block, that stranger you see every morning at the coffee shop; sexy as hell and cocky to a fault, but you can’t help but stare and imagine. I hated how much I smiled whenever I read his comments, but Lana felt that same way so apparently it’s a mood.
I liked this very much because ... talk about when opposite attract.
May 7, 2020
It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Meka James; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2020
Quick and deliciously dirty
A stand-alone follow-up to Being Neighborly and Being Hospitable, Being Cordial is an opposites-attract, sexy short. Low on angst and high on heat, it’s the perfect escape. I loved getting to know Lana and Emilio and look forward to more books by Meka James.
A stand-alone follow-up to Being Neighborly and Being Hospitable, Being Cordial is an opposites-attract, sexy short. Low on angst and high on heat, it’s the perfect escape. I loved getting to know Lana and Emilio and look forward to more books by Meka James.
June 19, 2020
I have really enjoyed reading this book. The author did such a great job developing the characters that I feel like I really know them, not just the major characters, but the minor ones too.
Also, it caused me to lose quite a bit of sleep while I was reading it, because it was so hard to put down at night.
I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Also, it caused me to lose quite a bit of sleep while I was reading it, because it was so hard to put down at night.
I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
May 9, 2020
The story of Lana and Emilio is super sexy. If only every annoying neighbor was as hot as Emilio. I really loved the chemistry between these two. Can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2021
Another satisfying novella in the Desert Rose Hook-Ups. Lana and Emilio don't get on at all since she's annoyed he got the building unit she wanted and he finds her way too uptight. I loved this opposites attract, hate to love romance. So fun, so sexy!
Read
March 7, 2021This was a fun and steamy read! I need to go back and read the first book of the series (I didn't feel like I'd missed anything, so these must be stand alone stories, but I just want to read the others because I enjoyed this one).
June 6, 2022
Lovely
Lana an Emilio have this love hate thing going on. Buy only one of them knows why. I love the give and take in there relationship and how real it is when it come to the teasing plus….
Lana an Emilio have this love hate thing going on. Buy only one of them knows why. I love the give and take in there relationship and how real it is when it come to the teasing plus….
March 3, 2023
It was a pretty decent read. The multiple times he said MA though drove me insane. The first sex scene was chef kiss. After that if kinda got unreality a tad in my opinion. Her fight was unnecessary but it was worth the quick read it was and I enjoyed the narrators for the book as well!
October 16, 2023
Cool enough
I did not like Lena. At all. Not even a little bit. And romance or not, I wanted Emilio to tell her about herself then ignore her. LOL
But despite them both getting on my nerves I still enjoyed this story, overall.
I did not like Lena. At all. Not even a little bit. And romance or not, I wanted Emilio to tell her about herself then ignore her. LOL
But despite them both getting on my nerves I still enjoyed this story, overall.
April 27, 2020
This was a short and awesome story. Very good writing Meka keep them coming. This was an ARC from the author. Please read and review for the author.
May 9, 2020
Hot, steamy, sassy and exactly what I needed! Emilio and Lana have the perfect chemistry and contrast right from the start and it’s the perfect length to get invested in the characters and story
June 18, 2020
I've loved every single book I've read by Ms. James, and this was no exception! I'm really enjoying her Desert Rose books. They're bite-sized pieces of readerly candy. Highly recommend! <3
November 30, 2020
my second foray into a novella from author Meka James. i loved Lana and Emilio. will definitely keep my eyes open for future works.
January 27, 2021
Oh, the banter! Perfect little way to end my week.
October 9, 2021
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews