Revved Up

Sonoma #3

by Mae Harden

Parker
Four months ago, I made the first spontaneous decision of my life. I left my cold, suffocating family behind and set out for the Golden State. In pursuit of happiness, I threw my rule book out the window. New home, new job, and a brand-new spontaneous Parker. I have to admit, becoming New Parker would be a lot easier if I wasn’t flat broke and living in a shack. But I have my friends, a little bookstore full of romance novels, and the freedom I’ve always desperately wanted.
I was perfectly happy with my shelves of book boyfriends until Lukas Donovan walked into my shop. The black sheep of the Donovan family, with his bottle-green eyes, stubbly beard, and those tree-trunk thighs… my romance novel men might never cut it again. I just wish he wasn’t such a dick.

Lukas
Everyone knows I’m the good-time guy. I’m the man you date when you want to piss off your daddy, and the guy you sleep with to make your ex jealous. I’m not long term.

Parker Thompson is long term. Preacher’s daughter and my sister’s best friend, she’s one hundred percent off-limits and a bad idea no matter how you look at it. Bad idea or not, it doesn’t stop me from wanting her so badly it makes me ache. I know I should push her away, keep my distance… but how the hell am I supposed to do that when I can’t stand the idea of another man touching her or looking at her. Or really even breathing near her.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2020

About the author

Hi! I'm Mae Harden and I have an addiction to happy endings.

Join my newsletter to keep in touch!

I write the kinds of books I love to read. Low angst and good communication make me happy. I love a little drama, a metric shit-ton of sexual tension, a good meet-cute, and dirty talk. So, so much dirty talk. Hot with a plot is my personal motto and I take it seriously!

I have a degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Baking and Pastry. Before staying home to raise my kids, I was a pastry chef for seven years and specialized in wedding cakes. (See, always a sucker for a happy ending!)

In real life, I’m a wife, and a mother to two adorable hellions. We have two puppies, a chonky cat, and more houseplants than I know what to do with.

Reviews

[Kate V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 Cutesy Stars!

"I didn’t know I was walking around with a perforated soul, but Parker is filling in all these little holes."

Revved Up is the third book in the Sonoma series and can be read as a standalone but you'd probably get more enjoyment from this series if you started from the beginning, unlike me lol. This is Parker and Lukas' story and it's a feel-good and steamy story with an engaging plot.

Parker has moved and opened up a bookstore that specializes in romance novels. She is learning to become the carefree and spontaneous woman she yearns to be since her childhood was so suffocating. She is broke but happy and has a crush on her friend's brother, Lukas Donovan who hasn't given her a second look...or so she thinks.

Lukas is a fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy and not many people take him seriously but he wants Parker to. His attraction to Parker is instantaneous and when he can't hold back any longer, he goes on a mission to prove to her that they can be long term. Lukas knows they are end game.

"Parker tastes like goddamn heaven. I don’t care what it takes to convince her, but I’m going to eat this pussy every day for the rest of my fucking life."

Parker was adorable and not in an annoying naive way even though she leaned more on the innocent side. Lukas was just alpha enough to make me swoon and the two of them together were like perfect puzzle pieces. I really enjoyed this. Low angst, sweet, steamy with a side of kinky and just what I wanted to read. The writing was good, the plot had substance and there was just the right amount of steam to balance it all out. I am definitely going back to read the others now.

[Katie Utterly Unashamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those days where you can't emotionally handle anymore shit being thrown at you?



Those days where even a little bit of angst in your book will send you over the edge and you will lose your shit to the next person who complains?



That was me yesterday, and well today actually too!

Thank you Mae Harden for giving me a book that didn't make me want to loose my shit. This book was fucking perfect for that mood. It was just a great easy read. I love the Donovan family so much. And after the shit I dealt with yesterday spending my evening with them was exactly what I needed.

Lukas and Parker were fucking adorable together. Cujo is amazing. This book deserves a much better review than the garbage I'm putting out here, but whatever.

I'm actually going to put off all the shit I was going to do today, the 6 ARCs that need to be done, and read the next one, because well........I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT RESPONSIBILITIES RIGHT NOW! I WANT TO BE IN A FANTASY WORLD!!!



Here's hoping you all can get lost in something that brings you joy! And if you are having a shitty fucking day and are reading this review, just know YOU ARE NOT ALONE!



Instagram | My Blog | Facebook

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - nawwwwww! That was an adorable instalove romance. A lighthearted, fun and steamy story about a romance bookstore owner and the resident bad boy. Parker (the FMC) was so cute (until she’s defending someone she cares about) and Lukas (the MMC) was the perfect, wish-fulfilment boyfriend who just wanted to spoil his woman. And there was so much cuddling. SWOON.

[Jules Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to have finally been able to read Revved Up!! Mae has done an amazing job crafting the most beautiful world wind of a romance through Lukas and Parker. Two unlikely people who found each other and refused to let go or even slow down. Mae creates such beautiful tender moments and the steamiest of scenes. This book is HOT, HOT, HOT!! I cannot wait to get my hands on her next book!!

[K.G. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. Em. Gee!! This book is unREAL! Mae, you have done it again!! You blew me, and I’m sure many other readers, away with your skills. You are amazing at developing characters and plots, forming them into legible sentences and paragraphs which form a story that leaves us swooning, crying and laughing. I can’t get enough of your books, I need more! I’m officially a sucker for Mae Harden’s writing, and I’m not even mad about it.

Parker and Lucas’ story is absolutely perfect. They are complete opposites but work so well together (in bed and not 😉). The novel has some realism, real-life problems, and is so well-developed you just have to read more. I read - devoured - this book in less than 24 hours and now I am left with a massive book hangover (thanks a lot Mae 🙄🤣) and begging and pleading for the next book!

Guys, you shouldn’t even be reading this anymore, you should be hopping over to Amazon, Apple Books, whatever, and getting this book right now!! I promise you, you won’t regret it!

I loved this book, and I would so rate it more than 5 ⭐️ if I could!!

The only thing I didn’t like was how fast their relationship developed, but I’m kinda okay with the insta-love so it didn’t bother me that much.

Well, I’m off to read the whole series again (you probably won’t hear from me for a while, I don’t care, deal with it)!

*ARC kindly provided for an honest review!*

[Mae Harden]

The steamy third addition to my Sonoma series. Available now!

[Rachel Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

f: Parker
m: Lukas
(Dual POVs)

This is definitely my favorite from this series so far! It was a quick whirlwind of a romance as it starts off as insta-lust with a hint of enemies to lovers, and it quickly turns into love! Lukas is instantly captivated by the way Parker looks at him. He’s always been looked at as garbage by the townspeople due to his troublesome past and his rugged appearance, but Parker looks at him like he’s the most beautiful thing she’s ever seen. Parker has lived a stifled life, being the daughter of a librarian and a preacher, and she's ready to live her life and indulge in a little excitement.

Lukas is Parker’s ideal book boyfriend come to life and I soon found out he’s everything I desire in a book boyfriend too! He’s tatted, works with his hands, rides a motorcycle, and has a sexy smirk! His possessive adoration and love he has for Parker was just the cherry on the top! Don’t even get me started about his bedroom talk! Two words: Panty. Melting.

If there was a real life ‘Sorry, I’m Booked’ bookstore, I’d definitely be a member of their book club! I truly admired Parker for becoming independent, stepping outside of her comfort zone and opening her own business selling books! I loved the life she lived; simple and surrounded by people she loved and the things she was most passionate about!

Favorite Quotes:
”I’m almost surprised nobody caught a contact pregnancy with the way you were eye-fucking her.” -Julia

Under that sweet shell, she’s all fire and I think I’d happily let her burn me alive. -Lukas

[D. Lilac · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the New Adult romance, Revved Up, bad boy Lukas meets his sister’s curvy friend, Parker. She’s fiercely independent, extremely compassionate and loves the idea of a bad boy. Lukas has a reputation but it’s just what others see, not his true self. They fall quickly but it’s definitely believable.

Mae Harden gives us all the steamy details and I loved their chemistry!! This love story is the perfect curvy girl meets bad boy romance! I loved Lukas and the epilogue just wasn’t enough for me.

Pardon me while I run off to read her other books!

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nel terzo volume della serie Sonoma, conosciamo Parker, la migliore amica di Lilah, protagonista del secondo volume, e Lukas, fratello di Olive e Lilah.

Dopo una partenza un po’ accidentale, visto i malintesi, i due iniziano a frequentarsi. E saranno fuochi d’artificio.

Dopo una partenza un po’ accidentale, visto i malintesi, i due iniziano a frequentarsi. E saranno fuochi d’artificio.

Recensione completa sul blog Leggere Romanticamente

https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...

[JoJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC copy of this book and I freaking loved it! The story is so sweet, sexy and heartwarming!

I enjoyed the journey with Lukas and Parker the two of them fit together so well!! And they can be funny at times. Let me tell ya that!

I was tempted to give the story four stars ONLY BECA I WANTED MORE!!!! But that won’t be fair for the story nor the author!

I truly loved this book and the couple!😍

[Lucid Quill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE these books!! Parker and Lukas, SWOON! Such magnificent characters, it was awesome to have a lighthearted read again. The humor mixes flawlessly with the heat of these books, I can't get over it. The romance and plot development was hot AND tasteful, which isn't something that all authors can do. Mae certainly does. We got to see layers pulled back to reveal how beautiful these two souls were. I highly recommend this series!

[hea booktubes]

DNF

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This was my first book by Mae Harden and it’s safe to say I’m now going back and reading the first two books in this series! This book was super enjoyable and I loved that the heroine was a romance reader! Parker was a strong heroine that loves fiercely. I love that she stood up for Lukas so easily. Lukas was such a great Hero too! I loved that on the outside he had the whole bad boy thing going on but on the inside he’s a softy that just wants to be with Parker and protect her. I just really enjoyed this book!

[Ashleyalwaysreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another amazing read by Mae! I absolutely fell in love with Parker and Lukas!

Mae has such an amazing way of always giving us the hottest scenes and best banter. I’m always thoroughly entertained whenever I’m reading any of her books

Definitely give Revved up a read!
If you love sexy red heads who love to read and beautiful bad boys who love to corrupt definitely give them a go!

Smut level:
🔥🔥🔥🔥-medium smut

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Andrea Wimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book I read from this author and I have to say… Mae Harden is the QUEEN of dirty talk!

I don’t even have words for how much I loved this book, I would’ve read it in one sit if it wasn’t because life was happening around me.

Parker and Lukas story was heartwarming, intense, extremely romantic and SEXY AS HELL!

Can’t wait to keep reading more from Mae! 😍

[I.E. Michaels]

Lovable characters! The drama is realistic and relatable. The protection and love this family gives the main character is fierce, something every girl dreams of!

[LibriMagnetici Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

recensione a cura del blog "libri Magnetici" by Ila
A volte, ripensandoci, ancora non riesco a credere di aver riempito la mia vecchia Honda Civic malandata e di essere partita, tutta sola, con i risparmi appena sufficienti per avviare la mia attività e sfuggire a un altro miserabile inverno del Minnesota. Quando, nell’elenco degli affitti, mi sono imbattuta in un piccolo negozio nel centro di Sonoma, ho capito che era destino. Ancor prima di lasciare il freddo vento di Middle River, riuscivo a sentire il sole caldo della California sulla pelle e immaginarmi guidare per miglia e miglia in mezzo a pittoreschi vigneti. Potevo ricominciare da capo ed essere chiunque volessi. Certo, nella mia fantasia avevo una decappottabile, occhiali da sole giganti e un infinito tempo libero per esplorare da sola la regione del vino. Gestire un’impresa, in realtà, è una cosa del tutto diversa.

Parker Thompson si è lasciata alle spalle la sua vecchia vita e la sua famiglia, cresciuta in un ambiente fortemente restrittivo e bigotto la sua speranza è quella di costruirsi una nuova vita nell’assolata California.

Apre una piccola libreria specializzata in romanzi rosa a Sonoma, proprio accanto alla panetteria di Olive e Lilah Donovan con le quali stringe subito amicizia.



Trasferirmi qui è l’unica cosa spontanea che abbia mai fatto, ed è stata la migliore decisione della mia vita. Un nuovo inizio. Nella mia nuova casa e con il mio nuovo lavoro, posso essere una Nuova Parker. Una Parker spontanea. Forse anche una Parker selvaggia… beh, probabilmente no. Devo comunque gestire una libreria. Non è che possa uscire e fare festa tutte le sere. Ma adesso posso essere spontanea e lottare per la mia felicità. È qualcosa che la Vecchia Parker non ha mai avuto la libertà di fare.

Quando vivi con il naso perennemente immerso in storie piccanti con protagonisti motociclisti e cowboy è facile poi subirne il fascino anche nella vita reale, quindi quando Lukas Donovan, fratello maggiore di Olive e Lilah compare in tutta la sua magnificenza Parker ne rimane subito affascinata. Lui è tanto bello quanto allergico alle storie che non durino più di una notte, ma forse potrebbe valutare di fare una eccezione per la bella libraia.

Ho sentito delle storie su di lei dalle mie sorelle durante le nostre cene di famiglia. Viene da una piccola cittadina del Midwest. Suo padre è un pastore, o qualcosa di simile. Sarei pazzo a scherzare con una ragazza del genere. Prima di tutto, probabilmente proverebbe a trascinare il mio .... ateo in chiesa. Inoltre, non so nemmeno come uscire con la figlia di un pastore. Non sono proprio Capitan Splendore. Certo, sono una buona scelta per le ragazze che cercano di vendicarsi di un ex o di far arrabbiare paparino. Sono un’ottima scelta se vuoi che qualcuno ti faccia urlare “Oddio”. Ma non sono un uomo con cui uscire a lungo termine.

Parker vede oltre l’immagine da cattivo ragazzo che Lukas offre al mondo, vede l’uomo protettivo e amorevole che la aiuta nei momenti di difficoltà, che si prende cura di lei. È disposta a difenderlo contro tutto e tutti e questo conquista immediatamente Lukas abituato da sempre ad essere giudicato per il modo in cui appare. La loro storia, nata in maniera repentina dovrà superare alcuni momenti difficili, alla base però c’è il profondo legame che sentono di aver instaurato tra loro e che rappresenterà le fondamenta della storia che andranno, forse, a costruire.

Questa cosa è reale. Ho solo bisogno di più tempo per far capire a Parker quanto sia speciale e mostrarle che sono più di un semplice passatempo. Sarebbe meglio se riuscissi a tenere lontani tutti finché Parker non si sentirà come mi sento io… giusto?

Libro dopo libro questa serie mi sta davvero conquistando, l’impressione è quella che ci sia una crescita nel modo di raccontare le varie storie, che ad ogni libro le storie d’amore che vengono narrate acquistino uno spessore maggiore. La scrittura è sempre coinvolgente perché alterna momenti di vera ilarità tra i protagonisti ad altri decisamente intensi. Il legame tra Parker e Lukas, sebbene nato in maniera repentina, ha una sua credibilità, inoltre ci si immedesima molto in lei, che come noi, ama le storie romantiche e passionali e che ha il sogno di trovare nella realtà quella favola letta tra le pagine di un libro.

Restano ancora alcuni fratelli Donovan da scoprire, quindi restiamo in attesa di capire chi sarà il prossimo.



Non so se merito di sentirmi così bene, ma una cosa è certa: niente e nessuno si frapporrà tra me e Parker. Dovranno strapparla dalle mie mani fredde e morte. Ho sempre guardato in modo strano le coppie che decidono di vivere l’uno per l’altra, ma, ora che sono qui, mi rendo conto che non c’è altra opzione per me.
quattro petali

[Le cercatrici di libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bentrovati lettori oggi vi parlo del terzo romanzo della serie The Sonoma Series che sono preceduti dalle sorelle Donovan, Olive e Lilah, tra l’altro amiche di Parker e protagonista insieme a Lukas Donovan di Revved up.
Solo pochi mesi prima Olive ha mollato la sua vita per ricominciarne un’altra a Sonoma; con i risparmi che aveva ha aperto la sua libreria e nonostante cerchi di sbarcare il lunario non potrebbe essere più felice di così, insieme alle sue amiche Olive e Lilah, i suoi romanzi d’amore con i finti amori che ogni protagonista maschile delle sue letture le regalano; certo restano pur sempre protagonisti immaginari ma regalano sogni a occhi davvero caldi (nd se avete capito cosa intendo😅)

📚 È ufficiale. Il mio amore per i romanzi rosa mi ha trasformata in una vera pervertita. Adesso sbircio i clienti da dietro gli scaffali, penso, scuotendo la testa.


Tutto è sempre filato liscio fino a quando il fratello stronzo dei Donovan, Lukas, è entrato nella sua libreria sconvolgendo la sua vita.
Lukas è il playboy tutta bellezza, tatuaggi, la sua moto e donne di passaggio. Niente impegni, solo libertà assoluta.


🏍️ Non ho un curriculum eccezionale con le sue amiche. O con le donne in generale. Non sono un bastardo, è solo che non mi piace molto impegnarmi. Perché accontentarsi di una sola torta quando ce ne sono così tante da assaggiare?


Nonostante Parker provi una certa riluttanza nei confronti di Lukas non può fare a meno di pensare spesso alla forte attrazione che prova nei suoi confronti, la sua bellezza è straordinariamente correlata ad una corpo magnifico arricchito di tatuaggi, proprio come i protagonisti dei suoi romanzi.
Lukas sa bene che Parker non è una da una botta e via; lei è quella per l’amore, per il per sempre, ma per quanto conosce se stesso e le sue abitudini, risulta difficile starle lontano; un viso bellissimo contornato da splendidi capelli che carezzano un corpo da urlo, una persona sorprendente.


🏍️ Sono a favore delle donne indipendenti, ma mi dà fastidio che sia tutta sola. Ha qualcuno che si prende cura di lei? La frustrazione mi ribolle nel sangue mentre guardo un tizio di mezza età al bar con una giacca da motociclista e la barba brizzolata. Sta guardando Parker come se fosse uno spuntino gustoso.


Sappiamo noi lettrici di romanzi rosa (diciamo così per raggruppare più generi che trattano tutti lo stesso tema principale ovvero i sentimenti come l’amore) quanto tutto possa essere possibile tra le pagine dei nostri amati libri, anche Revved Up non ne resta esente



La storia è leggera e frizzante; con il doppio punto di vista conosciamo entrambi i protagonisti e le parti più profonde, disagi e paure, e al contrario emozioni che non ripescano ad esternare.
Certo Parker e Lukas sono due mondi opposti ma non per questo restano lontani l’uno dall’orbita dell’altro, ci sono attrazioni che muoiono dopo poco e altre che si arricchiscono di altri sentimenti che messi insieme diventano potenti da non poterne fare a meno. Sara così anche per loro?



📚 Adoro il modo in cui mi fa sentire. È caldo e solido, e sono super consapevole delle mie cosce premute contro i suoi fianchi. Mi rimprovero perché la cosa mi eccita. Lukas è gentile con me, ma questo non significa niente. Sta solo realizzando in modo inconsapevole la mia fantasia preferita e la mia vivida immaginazione è felice di fare il resto.


Con una scrittura semplice e lineare, Mae Harden ha saputo dare le giuste dosi di difficoltà di fiducia, emozioni nuove, incontri bollenti ma soprattutto il potere di vedere oltre le apparenze e i giudizi che spesso e volentieri la gente sguazza nell’asserire.
Pochi drammi, tanti gesti e attenzioni e sentimenti che cambiano le carte in tavola per entrambe i protagonisti spedendoli dritti verso un lieto fine che è davvero imprevedibile ma giusto!


Aurelia
voto: 4 e mezzo

[Marianna Pucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devo dire che leggere le storie di quest'autrice ormai mi hanno appassionata, i suoi protagonisti sono perfetti e le sue trame sono deliziose, romantiche e appassionanti.

Ma conosciamo Parker la silenziosa proprietaria della libreria, una brava ragazza, timida, a volte un po' spaesata. Lei con la sua dolcezza ha conquistato tutta la famiglia e soprattutto Donovan che l'ha accolta a braccia aperte.

Vedere lì Lukas però la sconvolge, ne rimane affascinata e grazie alla sua aria da cattivo ragazzo l'attira e la sua motocicletta rende il tutto ancor più stuzzicante.



"Parker può cercare di aggrottare la fronte quanto vuole, ma non mi è sfuggito il calore che le è divampato negli occhi prima che le sue guance prendessero fuoco. Diavolo, il rossore si è diffuso lungo tutta la clavicola e sotto la scollatura del vestito. "



Lukas è attratto da subito da Parker, la sua dolcezza e tranquillità lo colpiscono nel profondo. Peccato che si lasci sfuggire delle esternazioni negative e Parker ne rimane molto delusa.

Ma che meravigliosi protagonisti ci ha regalato! Lukas con tutti i suoi tatuaggi e la sua aria da cattivo ragazzo è il protagonista ideale, possessivo, protettivo, geloso, sexy e tenero.

Nonostante siano due personaggi agli antipodi l'autrice riesce a incastrarli perfettamente rendendo la lettura scorrevole ed emozionante.



"Per me questa situazione è inusuale. Non so come faccio a saperlo, ma lo so. Lei è perfetta. Non ricordo un’altra volta in cui ho voluto abbracciare qualcuno così, ma eccomi qui. Ho provato questa sensazione per tutto il giorno, e riesco a percepire quanto sto bene con lei."



L'intrusione dei personaggi secondari renderà il tutto ancor più frizzante, oltre ad alimentare la mia curiosità sugli altri personaggi della serie.

Non vedo l'ora di leggere la storia di Julia.



"Non sapevo di stare andando in giro con un’anima rotta, ma Parker sta riempiendo tutti quei piccoli buchi. Proteggerla e prendermi cura di lei in questo modo, riempie le crepe della mia anima che non sapevo fossero vuote."



🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄

Marianna

*Si ringrazia la casa editrice e l'autrice per la copia Arc ricevuta*

[Michelle Mastandrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better!
I hope readers have a fan handy because Lukas Donovan is going to straight up make you melt!

Like the covers and stories that fill the shelves of her romance bookstore, Parker Thompson longs to be swept away by a bad boy. Specifically one who's tall, dark, and handsome with a motorcycle. A man just like Lukas Donovan. Looking at him is like all of her romantic fantasies coming to life. This bad boy is exactly her brand of catnip and she'd like nothing more than to rub herself all over him and make bad choices. Parker can blame the romance books, but in reality she knows a man like Lukas Donovan would never be interested in a girl like her.

Lukas has been fighting his attraction to Piper ever since he first laid eyes on her. This freckled face, sweet and sexy little bookshop owner makes him want to bring out the bad girl in her. She may want the fantasy bad boy biker, but he’s better off keeping his distance. A girl like Parker could never see past his bad boy reputation and he wants to be more than just her ride on the wild side.

From beginning to end this book was the perfect blend of sweet, funny, and super sexy! By far the steamiest book in the Sonoma Series! I literally couldn’t put it down and devoured it in one night! Lukas Donovan is EVERYTHING you could want in a book boyfriend! He's the perfect Alpha hero you want to slap, hug, and get busy with at the same time! Parker is the sweet, shy, and sassy girl you just can't help to want be friends with. I absolutely loved these two together! They had such explosive chemistry it practically set my kindle on fire! Appearances from of the rest of the rest of the Donovan clan and friends from the previous books only made this story more humorous and enjoyable!
This book was SO GOOD and I LOVED every single moment of it! I highly recommend putting it on your TBR and doing it now! This is a fantastic series and I will be eagerly anticipating Julia's story in book 4!

*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *

[post_it_di_libri Claudia ✨📚Claudia ✨📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

❥ «ʟᴀ ᴛᴜᴀ ғᴀᴍɪɢʟɪᴀ ᴛɪ ᴀᴍᴀ,» sᴜssᴜʀʀᴀ.

«ʟᴏ sᴏ,» ᴄᴏɴᴄᴏʀᴅᴏ.
«ᴍᴀ è ᴅɪᴠᴇʀsᴏ. ᴛᴜ ᴍɪ ʜᴀɪ sᴄᴇʟᴛᴏ.»

«ʟ’ʜᴏ ғᴀᴛᴛᴏ. ᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛɪɴᴜᴇʀò ᴀ sᴄᴇɢʟɪᴇʀᴛɪ.»


Un amore che nasce tra gli sguardi di un ragazzo tatuato e la figlia di un pastore. Quell’amore sulle labbra di tutti perché lui è un cattivo ragazzo e lei un’anima gentile.
Quell’amore che batte gli stereotipi delle malelingue lottando sotto gli occhi indiscreti con un battito di cuore infinito.

Parker si allontana dalla sua famiglia e dalle sue abitudinarie imposizioni mentali. Si sposta in un paese della California e apre una piccola libreria di romanzi rosa. La strada è in salita ma nulla, più della libertà stessa, riesce a invogliarla a credere nel proprio presente.

Lukas ha una laurea in ingegneria oltre che ad essere il meccanico più bravo della zona. Circuisce il mondo assestante senza dare peso a tutte le idee che le persone si sono fatte su di lui. È tatuato, con le mani sporche di grasso e dei trascorsi ingigantiti da chi li ha vissuti insieme.
Invece, è semplicemente un uomo meraviglioso che non viene apprezzato per il suo temperamento rude e lo sguardo immenso, ma solo per l’armatura che utilizza per difendersi.

Essere ciò che gli altri vogliono può sollevare le aspettative di un incontro.

Parker vede oltre. Lei tocca quel guscio granitico per scorgerne una pietra rara e preziosa, mentre Lukas se ne prende cura amandola.

Due cuori che si scelgono senza guardare l’aspetto che li descrive.

❥ ᴍɪ ᴀᴍᴀ ᴘᴇʀ ɪ ᴛᴀᴛᴜᴀɢɢɪ ᴇ ʟ’ᴀsᴘᴇᴛᴛᴏ ʀᴜᴅᴇ ᴛᴀɴᴛᴏ ǫᴜᴀɴᴛᴏ ᴘᴇʀ ʟᴇ ᴘᴀʀᴛɪ ᴅᴏʟᴄɪ ᴇ ɢᴇɴᴛɪʟɪ ᴅɪ ᴍᴇ ᴄʜᴇ ɴᴏɴ ᴍᴏsᴛʀᴏ ᴀʟʟᴀ ᴍᴀɢɢɪᴏʀ ᴘᴀʀᴛᴇ ᴅᴇʟʟᴇ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴇ. ᴍɪ ᴀᴍᴀ ᴄᴏsì ᴛᴀɴᴛᴏ ᴄʜᴇ ɴᴏɴ ʀɪᴇsᴄᴇ ɴᴇᴍᴍᴇɴᴏ ᴀ ᴠᴇᴅᴇʀᴍɪ ᴅᴀʟ ʟᴏʀᴏ ᴘᴜɴᴛᴏ ᴅɪ ᴠɪsᴛᴀ.


Una lettura veloce e leggera, ricolma di sarcasmo, con parecchie venature spicy.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book and think, I want this person as my friend. That is Parker for me. I absolutely loved her character. She took a very sheltered, unloving, and pretty unhappy childhood and made the decision that she was not going to live that way. She was going to take her life and create a better future for herself. She opens her dream bookstore, and finds a group of friends that support and encourage each other. Lukas is her core group of friends’ brother, and he doesn’t have the best reputation. However, when you read the book you get that there is a lot more to Lukas and most of that reputation is exaggerated things that happened in his youth. And he is far from that kid anymore. These two don’t have the best first meeting and there are some words and actions that are taken wrong, but once these are righted these two come together in such a real organic way that is wonderful to read. Lukas supported Parker so solidly, but didn’t want to hold her back the way her parents always did. Parker is so strong and steadfast in her support of Lukas even against his sisters. They make each other better and are stronger together than apart. I love the family dynamic of Lukas and his siblings, and NEED to go back and read books 1 and 2 of this series. This book is part of the series yes, but it is a complete standalone and I was not lost at all without reading the prior books.

I received an ARC from Mae Harden in exchange of an unbiased and honest review.

[Deborah Anita Kurniawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ✲✲✲✲

The stories are getting better and better...

~Lukas Donovan & Parker Thompson~
Another insta-love trope from Mae Harden!
Lukas is the embodiment of a bad boy: his reputation, his sleeve full of tattoos, his motorcycle, and his constantly present smirks complete the looks. Comes Parker, a preacher's daughter, a new girl just moving across the state to start a new life, seemed innocent but loves dirty romance novels.
They catch each other's eye and they can't stop the attraction if they try.
Their romance is fast-paced, full of dirty scenes, and hotness all around.

Previous books couple: Brooks & Olive (Stripped Down) and Ben & Lilah (Mowed Over) are also seen here.
I am so happy to see they are happy with their loved ones.

Can't wait for Julia's story!


*ARC is provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Sabrina (Soter) Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Non sapevo di stare andando in giro con un’anima rotta, ma Parker sta riempiendo tutti quei piccoli buchi. Proteggerla e prendermi cura di lei in questo modo, riempie le crepe della mia anima che non sapevo fossero vuote. Accade la stessa cosa quando ripone la sua fiducia in me, guardandomi in quel modo dolce e aperto che mi fa sentire come se non potessi sbagliare.
Non so se merito di sentirmi così bene, ma una cosa è certa: niente e nessuno si frapporrà tra me e Parker. Dovranno strapparla dalle mie mani fredde e morte.
Ho sempre guardato in modo strano le coppie che decidono di vivere l’uno per l’altra, ma, ora che sono qui, mi rendo conto che non c’è altra opzione per me."

Terzo volume di questa serie ricca di passione tenerezza e poverissima di angst XD Anche qui abbiamo una storia di semplice e serena quotidianità, ma rispetto alle altre ho trovato poco sentimento e fin troppo sesso per i miei gusti. I due protagonisti sono troppo bidimensionali, praticamente un cliché vivente e non in senso buono: da una parte abbiamo il ragazzaccio tatuato con una certa reputazione da dongiovanni, dall'altra una timida (?) libraria che ha deciso di prendere in mano la sua vita mentre fa sogni (sconci) leggendo romanzi rosa hot. Andando a scavare di fatto Lukas ha una fama che si fonda sul niente, ok che vivono in una piccola cittadina, ma davvero basta qualche marachella adolescenziale, una giacca di pelle e qualche tatuaggio per farsi una cattiva fama o addirittura pensare che sia un criminale? Parker dovrebbe essere una donna che riscopre se stessa, una ragazza tranquilla e amante dei libri che esce dal suo guscio ma fin dall'inizio sembra solo un adolescente arrapata e un po' goffa a cui piace leggere solo per riempire le sue notti diciamo XD Per fortuna abbiamo le altre coppie e soprattutto i nostri futuri protagonisti che sono davvero intriganti, quindi sicuramente proseguirò la serie piena di speranza!

"«Grazie,» dico, baciandole la testa. «Non sono abituato alle persone che mi difendono in quel modo. Grazie per amarmi così tanto.»
«La tua famiglia ti ama,» sussurra.
«Lo so,» concordo. «Ma è diverso. Tu mi hai scelto.»
Parker allunga il collo all’indietro per guardarmi, gli occhi che brillano di adorazione. «L’ho fatto. E continuerò a sceglierti.» Le copro la guancia con la mano e la bacio, cercando di mostrarle quanto questo significhi per me."

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bluntness of Lukas’ humour had me from the beginning.
Seen as the Bad boy, his bad reputation is based on his youth and not the man he is now. The first time he meets Parker, he embarrasses her but he more than makes up for it as he goes out of his way to get her to spend time with him. Because the truth is, he totally fell for her from the get go.

Parker is the sweetest person.
Thoughtful, kind and a heart full of love, I could totally see why all the Donovan sisters became best friends with her. She was in no way a reflection of her horrible un-loving childhood and I saw the courage and strength in her by how she left her hometown to make a better life for herself.

The chemistry between Lukas and Parker was soooo HOT and I loved how dominant he was and the way he brought out her kinky side. The openness and acceptance they had for each other made this couple my favourite!

I loved the sneak peak into Julia’s story.
Her sass and confidence is so entertaining and I can’t wait to read about her happily ever after.

[Emma Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may have been my favorite of the Sonoma series! From the first two chapters I fell in love with Lukas and Parker! These characters are independent strong but also so dependent on the love and affection of one another! Parker seems timid and delicate on the outside but she proves that she is able to hold her own and protect those she loves! Lukas comes off as arrogant and carefree when in reality he is searching for that right someone to complete him! I adore how this author sucks you in at the very beginning and keeps you hooked with new intrigue throughout the entire story. Mae Harden does it again, another great books full of steamy SMUT scenes and true romance! I’m a sucker for the man spoiling the woman! And I love how she plays on the idea of romance novels and how they play out in real life between these characters! She makes the scenes float off the pages with such detail that I could picture everything that was happening in the book as I was reading it like it was happening right in front of me!

[J.E. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the honor of reading all three books in this series. Sorry for the cliché comparison, but they have gotten better with each book like a fine wine. I know, I just had to go there.

You will love the story of Lukas and Parker; it is funny and oh so steamy. Lukas has his sisters to contend with, so we know that should be rather interesting. So, the sister's best friend dynamic comes into play. Darn it! Not to mention, he is a bad boy. Women just love those.

Parker has a troubled past and wants to go after her dream of opening a book store. She is a strong, resilient woman and headed for so much more in life. However, being a book store owner, she tends to see things with a romance book filter.

This book is one of those that grabs you right off and keeps you moving along through the story. You will find some fantastic lines that might make you laugh and do a double take to make sure you read it right, trust me, you did. If you haven't read either of the first two books in the series, add all three to your TBR list, you will be glad you did.

[Romancing the Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this seriessssss...

📚 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Opposites attract

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Lukas is the town bad boy, with a rap sheet, a reputation and a gorgeous motorcycle to match. Parker is just beginning to enjoy the freedom she gained running away from her strict, ultrareligious family. They're oil and water, but once Lukas sets his eyes on her he knows there isn't any going back.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I have this theory that great books are 250+ pages, but damn if Mae Harden doesn't get close with these shorter stories.

They have a formula going, but I'm completely ok with it. Alpha-ish but romantic male MCs who dirty talk the hell out of their women and fall hard and fast. Minor drama, minor upheaval. Instalove and legit spice. It's all important, and all done perfectly.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶

🆓️ on KU

#bookstagram #bookreview #books #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookish #read #booknerd #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #instabook #love #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #booklove #instabooks #lovestory #romancenovel

[Tyra Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cover isn't as bad so no need to ignore it. I have fallen in love with this family and imma need 8 more books to keep me satiated.

Parker (kept remembering that it's also my last name) was everything I wanted her to be. As an avid romance lover myself her owning a bookstore filled with romance filled my own grasping heart. My girl punched a nasty man to save a dog and I will forever love her for it. Her misunderstanding of Lukas at the start kinda made sense cause I would think the same thing, but i'm glad it got resolved quickly and that she apologised.

Oh Lukas. He knew he was a bad boy, well looked like one, but his fucking soft ass heart really swept me up. I honestly kinda hate the whole, oh I don't want commitment, and when he said "why would you want one flavour of cake when you can try them all" I was ready to take Parker and keep her to myself. But this man jumped head first into the relationship and fought to keep it going.

I never want this series to end, how else am I supposed to feel happy.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️REVVED UP REVIEW❤️
I’m a massive fan of Mae’s Sonoma series and of Mae herself. She writes exactly what I want to read - dirty talking alphas who love their women fiercely.
Revved Up did not disappoint. Lukas Donovan is the latest member of the clan to fall in love and he sure falls hard and fast for the shy, redhead who runs the local romance bookstore.
Parker has left her loveless, cold home to start a new life. Even though she’s got a fantastic girl squad, she’s broke, living in a shed and dreaming of a bad boy who will sweep her off her feet. Little does she know that bad boy is the brother of her new best friends.
This story is a fantastic mix of comedy, banter, heart and hot, hot, hot sexy bits that will melt your panties right off!
Parker and Lukas are explosive and it’s such fun to catch up with the rest of the Donovan clan. I’m excited to see what happens to Julia and Asher.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥