When she pulled me on stage during her burlesque routine at The Ruby Slipper, I had no way of knowing that the very next day she’d walk into my classroom. After our one night together, I thought I’d never see her again.
I was already causing quite a stir on my first day as the famous Broadway director turned professor… the last thing I needed was a scandal.
I wasn’t surprised by the raw desire I continued to feel for her. But I was surprised by the magnitude of her talent as an actress, singer, and dancer. When she auditioned for the lead in my new show, I had to admit… she was utterly perfect for the part.
Katana Collins is a USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, novellas, and comic books in a variety of genres. She is most known for her sensual contemporary romances and her wildly popular comic book— Batman White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn with DC Comics.
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
At the end of Sweet on You, there was a brief mention of a Reid & Hazel. This is their story.
And OMG, I absolutely loved it!! I couldn’t love this story any more if I tried. I shouldn’t be surprised though, because this author is consistent with giving me stories that make me feel good and happy...and tingly in certain areas. And also she gives me stories that make me want to shout from the rooftops to read this book!!
I gobbled this one up. From the very beginning, I was hooked. I enjoyed every single word until the very last page. It was low on the angst, high on the passion and charm, with plenty of heart to boot. And with some bonus delicious steaminess in there, too.
Reid & Hazel’s chemistry was pure fireworks. From the first moment their eyes met, that connection was sizzling.
Until that next morning... when they discover she’s one of his students.
Talk about forbidden and wrong and going against the school’s integrity clause. And those fireworks and sizzles that should’ve died out because their relationship is a big no-no? Yeah...those sparks didn’t fizzle out at all. They just seemed to grow brighter.
I loved, loved, loved these two together. And their mutual respect and protectiveness of one another just warmed my heart. And what made me love them even more, was the way they were determined to find a way to be together. The fight they put up to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it! And I have to add, I need Noah Tripp’s story like yesterday. That little tease at the end was such a tasty little morsel!! I need more!
4.5 Stars Reid is a famous director who has been roped into teaching a class at a private university in New York as a favor to his ex-fiancé. For some reason, he can’t let her go totally, even though she is now married to his ex-best friend. The school has strict policies regarding the integrity of its’ staff, and Reid has to make it an early night. Just when he’s ready to leave the burlesque venue where his friend Noah Tripp has brought him, a dancer shows up that captures his attention. He recognizes something unique and special about her performance, and wants to get to know her. They share a brief interlude, but then he has to leave.
Reid is astonished when Hazel, the burlesque dancer from the night before, shows up in his new classroom. They do take some time to communicate, which is appreciated by this reader. It’s annoying when authors write protagonists who jump to conclusions without trying to communicate! Ms. Collins does a great job of keeping the story from wandering down rabbit holes, by not letting slight misunderstandings fester. The conflicts are defined clearly and fairly early in the book for each protagonist, and the pacing is just right.
It was nice ‘catching up’ with Noah Tripp from the Maple Grove series. This book is a spin-off from that series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Regardless, this story holds the interest of the reader, and provides a couple of unexpected surprises toward the end. Well done, Ms. Collins!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reid has been burnt. His friends feel he needs a little push back into the land of the happy.
Or at least the land of not mooning over his cheating ex and betraying best friend.
It doesn't help that he's just agreed to teach her class so she and the traitor best friend can go on the road.
So on an evening out with his boys, they drag him to a burlesque club and arrange a surprise for him.
The biggest surprise is how he finds himself responding to one of the dancers.
The even bigger surprise?
When she turns out to be one of his new students. And she, Hazel, makes an unfortunate first day of class impression.
But they have amazing chemistry. And it wins out.
They manage to mend each others faith in good things happening to those who deserve it. And the potential trouble makers learn that sometimes their evil ways don't get them what they want.
Loved the back and forth between our lovestruck pair. The friends are charming. And the troublemaker's get their comeuppance.
I enjoyed this fast read immensely.
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
ARC for honest review with no compensation received from BookSprout 4.5 stars
Directing You by Katana Collins is a standalone but we see a small part of the Maple Grove series characters.
Reid meets Hazel at a burlesque show where she is a dancer, they hook up, he want more but little does he know that Hazel will show up at the university where he is teaching a theater class and she is his student.
What happens next is fun, flirty, sexy and so much more!
A really sweet, slightly spicy age gap (which isn't really acknowledged) book, a nice easy read.
I loved how Reid handled things with Hazel the whole way through their short courtship, especially the blackmail. He was never teaching for anything other than a favour to his ex.
I would have liked to have had a showdown at the end with the ex fiance and ex best friend, his final fuck you to them.
Looking forward to Noahs story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It hasn’t been too long ago that I found this humorous, talented lady, and I’m hooked for life! Her writing is witty, clever and sarcastic with a side of steamy and heartfelt that makes for the perfect, most satisfying read.
This one starts off in a unique way, with our hero attending a burlesque show and getting up close and personal with our heroine, a dancer in the show. But imagine his surprise when Reid begins his first day as a professor in a college theater program and in walks Hazel Stone, burlesque dancer/theater student.
There is so much to love about this couple! For a Broadway director (I picture stuffy, aloof and arrogant) Reid is refreshingly down to earth and a genuine nice guy with a big heart, but definitely not a pushover. Hazel is talented, driven and kind, and these two complement each other beautifully.
Add to that a mean girl who gets her comeuppance in a glorious way and a somewhat scary department head who comes through in the end, and this story effortlessly kept my attention from the first page to the last. And the fact that the conflict arises from external sources rather manufactured by a main character always wins points with me and, in my opinion, shows the depth of the writer's skill.
With perfectly flawed but relatable characters and a storyline that kept me glued to the pages, this one deserves it’s own Tony Award. Humorous and steamy with tons of heart, this unique, refreshing, feel-good read is absolutely not to be missed!
Oh how I love this author! What a fun, romantic, and steamy story! Reid Bradley is a director who ends up going out with his closest friends for a quiet celebratory night out, or so he thinks, that’s until his best friend takes him to a burlesque show that will change is life forever. Hazel Stone is a struggling student, actress and a damn good dancer who is also trying to put herself through school, so to make ends meet, she ends up getting a job as a burlesque club and quickly becomes one of the favorites of the local attendees. When Hazel and Reid meet, it s like magic, and boy what a couple this is. I loved this story, loved the chemistry between these two characters, and when the realization hits that Reid and Hazel end up being professor and student, the sexual tension begins. Loved the supporting cast in the book and how Reid opened his class up for auditions for one of his upcoming plays as a workshop, pretty cool. Lots of hurtles to jump for these two very likely couple, but in the end it is so freaking romantic you just can’t stand it. Very well written, quick read, and a real page turner, couldn't put it down, read it in one quick setting. Very well worth the read. Next up Noah and Rosa! Can’t wait to read the next installment.
Katana Collins brings us another exciting installment to her Maple Grove series. This book is a stand-alone novel and can be read in any particular order. Ms. Collins brings us a glimpse of the world of theater and its many, many twists and turns. In Directing you, Hazel is caught between a rock and a hard place. She is a struggling artist and works many jobs and goes to school.
Reid has just accepted a job offer as a favor to fill in as a teacher for his ex-fiancee. As an excuse to get him out of his shell, Reid's friend takes him out on a wild night. There he meets the hypnotizing, Hazel Moon. Everything was going swimmingly until the clock struck midnight...
I am a huge fan of Katana Collins. Her books are so refreshing and quite honestly has given me a lift out of my book rut. If you enjoy small town novels with a theatrical twist, I highly recommend this novel.
Check out the other Maple Grove stories:
Capturing You Healing You Holiday Intercepted Sweet on You Bewitching You Meeting You
Reid and his friend attended a burlesque show at The Ruby Slipper. One of the dancers, Hazel, pulled Reid onto the stage and, right from the start, their chemistry sizzled. But the biggest shock was when she walked into his classroom the next day! Reid was a famous Broadway director doing a favor for his ex by teaching in a college theater program. And students were definitely off-limits!
Hazel and Reid were absolutely wonderful together. He recognizes Hazel’s talent and does all he can to encourage her. The characters are so real and honest that the reader cannot help but love them. They cared for each other and wanted to be together, despite the restrictions keeping them apart. With some added stumbling blocks, this story will just pull the reader right in with characters worthy and honorable to fire up the reader’s desire that they get to fall in love without so much interference! Grab your copy and find out if they can hold on long enough to find that HEA, because you will definitely be cheering them all the way.
Directing You is a quick summer romance to pass a rainy day or a few hours by the pool.
Watching The Maple Grove series unfold has been an adventure. The characters are always relatable in some way and you feel like you're reading about old friends. Katana's sarcasm and sense of humor always come through and the unexpected laughs are greatly appreciated.
This book tells the story of Hazel and Reid, both friends of Noah Tripp. As he secretly tries to play matchmaker, he complicates all of their lives. Hazel is a student and burlesque dancer, Reid is an award winning director with a broken heart. Their chemistry burns on the page.
Neither are looking for romance but sometimes a chance at something real is worth confronting your demons and putting them to bed.
This book is witty, sexy, funny, and a stellar addition to the Maple Grove family. I can't wait for the next book!
Reid is a Broadway Musical Director who is doing a favor for a " friend" teaching a college course for one semester. Hazel is a burlesque Dancer who also is a musical Theater Major. What could go wrong when these two meet?
I did enjoy this book very much. The book was very well written. There were some spots to me that's didn't make sense grammar wise but that could be me lol. The first sexual encounter between Reid and Hazel was a little confusing for me. I had to re read it few times to get it. The middle was great. I felt the ending could of been a little better. It definitely was still great though! Will always read a book from Katana!!!!
This book was sexy from the beginning! Reid and Hazel’s first meeting may have been unconventional but their attraction was undeniable. Their relationship was taboo, for a semester. Reid and Hazel wanted things to work between them and were aware they needed to be careful. And what Reid was offering his class had nothing to do with what was going on personally. I liked how Reid was Hazel’s champion. And there were several what the heck moments that had me reading faster to find out what’s next?! And this ending! Ooh boy. I was lost in this sweet, steamy and all-around great read! Don’t let this book pass you by!
I have loved all of Katana’s book and this did not disappoint!! Directing You was a little piece of her Maple Grove Series but can be read as a stand-alone. It was fun, flirty, and sexy!
Reid was enjoying a night out with friends at a burlesque show, little did he know the dancer that had him wanting more would soon be his student.
Hazel was making ends meet, working two jobs while taking classes. When the new theater teacher was non other than the guy from last night, she didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t loose her spot at the school but she also couldn’t stay away from him...
It was over way too fast!! It was such a cute and steamy story! Hazel and Reid made such an amazing couple. And the ending!!! I can’t wait!
For a first time reading a book from this sweet author this is a great one! I don't know why it took me so long to read one of her books because once I picked it up I couldn't put it down.
Reid is handsome big time Broadway director who for some reason still feels the need to be nice to his ex who destroyed his heart and Hazel is a young and somewhat jaded want to be actress trying to make it in New York . They meet in a most unconventional way that makes the story interesting. Honestly from the first page until the last page I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more.
This is my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is an off limits romance between Reid and his student, Hazel. Their sizzling chemistry and strong connection are undeniable as they navigate the bumpy road to their forever after. These two relatable souls and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. It is a romantic adventure with drama, along with passion and love, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. Overall, it is a quick read with heart, heat, and a happy ending
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reid and Hazel are quite the pair. They have a hot one night stand with an instant connection, and then...they discover that Hazel is one of Reid's students. Forbidden romance ensues because they are just so drawn to each other and they can't deny their attraction. But it's not just physical. They're also very protective of each other right from the start.
Even though it's a 'forbidden' romance, it's not a high-angst drama. Lots of heart and passion, lots of emotion and determination from the leads.
Reid and Hazel's story was adorable! Hazel was so strong and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her dream but without sacrificing her morals.
I loved that Reid didn't allow a miscommunication to derail his and Hazel's relationship after everything that happened and I loved that because it is not often that we don't see a miscommunication angst story line and im glad to see a refreshing story line. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for Noah and Rosa's story!
Katana Collins did a great job on Directing You, the story had a strong well written plot. Reid and Hazel had a strong immediate connection, they were drawn to each other. They may had a few bumps during their journey but they were made for one another. They were great together and their chemistry was off the charts steamy. I enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to reading more. Thanks, Katana Collins. Great work :)
Professor Reid Bradley is a famous Broadway director who meets Hazel Stone at the Ruby Slipper a burlesque dance place, they have a one night stand. Imagine their surprise when they find out the next day that they are student and teacher. I enjoyed seeing this story come together, I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reid and hazel are explosive from the very beginning. Their attraction is hard to deny. Even though they try to stay away, they just can't. I loved the way the author wrote their story. The chemistry between them was sizzling hot and I just couldn't put my kindle down. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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, and not just the major characters, but the minor ones too. Also, it caused me to lose sleep because I couldn't wait another day to read it!
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
If you’re a theater buff, especially musicals, you’ll enjoy this story of Reid and Hazel. The way they meet is unconventional but memorable. As with all relationships that are forbidden (or at least the couple feels like they are impossible to maintain), Reid and Hazel find a way. Good things happen to good people!
When Reid finds the first woman he has been attracted to in years is Hazel, who happens to be his student. Reid wants Hazel and she wants him, fighting their attraction is only making it worse. Giving in could possible ruin his career and her future as an actress on Broadway. Ahh, so steamy and good. Reid and Hazel were a conflicted delicious couple that mad for a fun quick read.
This story is well-written, quick witted, has loads of heat and tension, and the drama one would expect with a book centered around performing arts. I especially appreciated that the author was careful to use technical terms without sounding pretentious or mechanical. I highly recommend Directing You!
This story was fantastic! The story was hot from the start and drew me in within the first few pages. The chemistry between Reid and Hazel was on fire and there were so many sexy scenes! Beautiful ending to their story and a crazy cliffhanger leading into the next book! I can't wait!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Intriguing and hot! Loved the characters and the interaction between them. The story certainly kept me on the edge of my seat and turning those pages to see how things were going to turn out; and WOW what an ending! Beautifully written. Definitely one of the best stories I have read this year - looking forward to reading more from this author.
The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable steamy romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.