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Romancing the Clarksons #2
Too Wild to Tame
Opposites attract in this steamy romantic comedy from the No.1 New York Times bestselling author of Hook, Line & Sinker.
A buttoned-up businessman and a gorgeous wild-child . . . what happens when opposites definitely attract?
By day, Aaron Clarkson suits up, shakes hands and acts the perfect gentleman. At night, behind bedroom doors, the tie comes off and the real Aaron comes out to play. But he knows that if he wants to work for the country's most powerful senator, he'll have to keep his eye on the prize. That's easier said than done, though, when he meets the senator's daughter. She's wild, gorgeous and 100 per cent trouble.
Grace Pendleton is the black sheep of her family. Yet while Aaron's presence reminds her of a past she'd rather forget, something in his eyes keeps drawing her in. Maybe it's the way his voice turns her molten. Or maybe it's because deep down inside, the ultra-smooth, polished Aaron Clarkson might be more than even Grace can handle . . .
'One of my all-time favourite authors!' Sally Thorne, author of The Hating Game
A buttoned-up businessman and a gorgeous wild-child . . . what happens when opposites definitely attract?
By day, Aaron Clarkson suits up, shakes hands and acts the perfect gentleman. At night, behind bedroom doors, the tie comes off and the real Aaron comes out to play. But he knows that if he wants to work for the country's most powerful senator, he'll have to keep his eye on the prize. That's easier said than done, though, when he meets the senator's daughter. She's wild, gorgeous and 100 per cent trouble.
Grace Pendleton is the black sheep of her family. Yet while Aaron's presence reminds her of a past she'd rather forget, something in his eyes keeps drawing her in. Maybe it's the way his voice turns her molten. Or maybe it's because deep down inside, the ultra-smooth, polished Aaron Clarkson might be more than even Grace can handle . . .
'One of my all-time favourite authors!' Sally Thorne, author of The Hating Game
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2016
1281 people are currently reading
11849 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
110 books67.1k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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September 10, 2016
Think before you speak.
First off…how freaky is this? I finished the first book in this series on Mother’s Day and Too Wild to Tame on Father’s Day. I didn’t even plan it and I only realised when I went to check out what I’d said about the first book in the series. FREAKY!! Anyways…I really enjoyed Too Wild to Tame and to be honest, it was better than I thought it would be. The main thing that resonated with me was the realisation that a passing comment made by a parent to a child can have a lasting effect. In this case, Aaron’s father told him he would be a loner, do whatever it took (good or bad) and didn’t need anyone else to succeed. Aaron believed him. He lived his life with a single-minded focus on succeeding. Aaron believed that he wasn’t capable of love and pushed away anyone who tried to get close to him. Too Wild to Tame tells the story of Aaron coming face to face with the one person who could crack the shell around his heart.
Aaron, Belmont and Peggy are still on their journey to New York to fulfil their mother's dying wish. Sage is still with them and keeping Belmont sane. Belmont is his quiet, hulking self, needing Sage as his anchor. Peggy is giving the outward appearance that everything is OK… and great…and happy, happy, joy, joy…BUT…you can sort of tell it’s all for show. Then there’s Aaron and his faithful new canine pal, Old Man.
Aaron is the family’s organiser. It’s his job to make sure that the accommodation, car and route are planned. His aim has been to get to Iowa to try and get back on the Presidential Campaign trail. Aaron’s original plans got a little derailed in California when he was sacked from his position. His name and reputation are on the line after making a monumentally bad decision. In Iowa, he plans to sneak into one of the candidate's campaign breakfasts and try and talk him into giving himself a chance. Aaron looks like he should be in front of a camera. He’s smart and uses that intelligence to manipulate people and things to work in his favour. Aaron says it’s just the way he is and the fallout of his manipulations don’t affect him. Luckily, we see through his thoughts that he does care and have regrets. If only he could get past the security…
Grace Pendleton is the daughter of a Presidential candidate…but she’s the hidden daughter. Grace is a quirky character with a big heart. Her family, lead by her controlling father, treat her like she’s “special” and try to hide her away from the spotlight. This makes Grace feel like an outsider. Grace wants to make a difference in the world. She doesn't like the way her father uses politics to make his version of a better world. Her methods in obtaining a better world see her making a deal…with the devil…or maybe he’s the love of her life.
When Aaron and Grace meet, it’s under unusual circumstances. Neither of them know each other or expect that their unusual meeting will lead to an unexpected partnership. The more they get to know each other the closer they get. The attraction and chemistry between Aaron and Grace jumped off the pages and at times it was sizzling. Grace needs Aaron to tell her what he's thinking. Aaron needs to believe that he deserves someone as wonderful as Grace.
Grace and Aaron bring out the best in each other. I loved seeing their relationship grow. I hated seeing their vulnerable sides getting taken advantage of. Too Wild to Tame brought a tear to my eye a number of times but it also made me bust a gut laughing as well. The Clarkson family took this voyage of discovery not knowing that they would be looking not just at the road ahead, but at themselves too. Each new relationship seems to have a little magic in it. It’s definitely got a touch of insta-love, but to me, that little bit of magic can produce a happy ever after equal to a slow building love.
I’m happy with the way Too Wild to Tame concluded and I’m definitely a fan of Tessa Bailey’s style of love story. Words have the power to hurt but they also have the power to express love. Looking forward to seeing how Peggy makes a man from her past’s, life a living hell.
To buy Too Wild to Tame from Amazon - http://amzn.to/2cAjPxV
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I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
September 6, 2016
4 Making Moments Stars
“I don’t like surprises, Grace.”
“That’s a shame,” she whispered. “People say I’m full of them.”
The second installment of Tessa Bailey’s Romancing the Clarksons series find the siblings, minus the newly coupled Rita, making their way to NYC for New Year’s in order to fulfill their deceased mother’s final wish. Next stop for the Clarksons is Iowa and a possible job for political consultant Aaron. After royally screwing the career pooch with the end of his last job, Aaron needs a comeback in the worst way possible. If all goes as planned, Aaron will come out of the layover gainfully employed and the family can be on their way. What could go wrong?insert sarcasm here
Being the plan man felt good. This was his role in the Clarkson tribe. The asshole with the directions. The one whose lack of a functioning heart gave him the ability to make hard decisions on everyone’s behalf.”
Grace Pendleton has never quite fit in with the rest of her family. After suffering through a horrific tragedy in her teens, Grace vowed to live her life to the fullest and never stifle her true self. While that might’ve been the right choice for Grace, her politician father always had other ideas on how she should conduct herself, causing Grace to become the hidden daughter, whether she liked it or not.
Grace and Aaron’s initial meeting was surprising and had me hooked on the story from the beginning. Aaron’s a self-admitted manipulative bastard and doesn’t consider having an actual relationship to be something in the cards for him. He’s still mentally kicking his own ass for choices he’s made in the past and his opinion of himself is not a good one. When he meets Grace, her light and effervescence draws him in like a beacon. People like her don’t actually exist in his world and it takes him a while to figure out just how to handle her.
Grace was one of the more unique heroines I’ve had the pleasure of reading and I loved the fact she never came off as anything stereotypical. Yes, she danced to the beat of her own drummer but she never came off as flighty or spacey. She knew exactly why she made the choices she did in life and I came to appreciate her strength in that respect.
This book is extremely well written and for that I’m grateful as hell. Maybe I’ve read too many novellas lately or maybe I need to expect more from the books I read, who knows? The characters in Too Wild to Tame are fully developed and the motivations behind their actions were never in question. Though the love scenes in this one aren’t as frequent as Bailey’s Entangled Brazen books, when the sexy stuff happens, this author’s trademark dirty talking hotness is right there. Thank Gawd!
“One more time, then… condom, baby. So hard up for your pussy. You’re going to know how miserable I’ve been. My thrusting dick is going to tell you all about it.”
I liked most everything about this book but it took me a bit to get through. As characters Aaron and Grace were fabulous, but I wasn’t always feeling the connection between them. A little more action as far as the actual story goes would’ve helped out tremendously.
As much as I enjoyed this one, and I did, I can’t wait for Peggy’s story next. From the first book, I’ve been intrigued by her backstory and the blurb included only made my interest that much more.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
“I don’t like surprises, Grace.”
“That’s a shame,” she whispered. “People say I’m full of them.”
The second installment of Tessa Bailey’s Romancing the Clarksons series find the siblings, minus the newly coupled Rita, making their way to NYC for New Year’s in order to fulfill their deceased mother’s final wish. Next stop for the Clarksons is Iowa and a possible job for political consultant Aaron. After royally screwing the career pooch with the end of his last job, Aaron needs a comeback in the worst way possible. If all goes as planned, Aaron will come out of the layover gainfully employed and the family can be on their way. What could go wrong?
Being the plan man felt good. This was his role in the Clarkson tribe. The asshole with the directions. The one whose lack of a functioning heart gave him the ability to make hard decisions on everyone’s behalf.”
Grace Pendleton has never quite fit in with the rest of her family. After suffering through a horrific tragedy in her teens, Grace vowed to live her life to the fullest and never stifle her true self. While that might’ve been the right choice for Grace, her politician father always had other ideas on how she should conduct herself, causing Grace to become the hidden daughter, whether she liked it or not.
Grace and Aaron’s initial meeting was surprising and had me hooked on the story from the beginning. Aaron’s a self-admitted manipulative bastard and doesn’t consider having an actual relationship to be something in the cards for him. He’s still mentally kicking his own ass for choices he’s made in the past and his opinion of himself is not a good one. When he meets Grace, her light and effervescence draws him in like a beacon. People like her don’t actually exist in his world and it takes him a while to figure out just how to handle her.
Grace was one of the more unique heroines I’ve had the pleasure of reading and I loved the fact she never came off as anything stereotypical. Yes, she danced to the beat of her own drummer but she never came off as flighty or spacey. She knew exactly why she made the choices she did in life and I came to appreciate her strength in that respect.
This book is extremely well written and for that I’m grateful as hell. Maybe I’ve read too many novellas lately or maybe I need to expect more from the books I read, who knows? The characters in Too Wild to Tame are fully developed and the motivations behind their actions were never in question. Though the love scenes in this one aren’t as frequent as Bailey’s Entangled Brazen books, when the sexy stuff happens, this author’s trademark dirty talking hotness is right there. Thank Gawd!
“One more time, then… condom, baby. So hard up for your pussy. You’re going to know how miserable I’ve been. My thrusting dick is going to tell you all about it.”
I liked most everything about this book but it took me a bit to get through. As characters Aaron and Grace were fabulous, but I wasn’t always feeling the connection between them. A little more action as far as the actual story goes would’ve helped out tremendously.
As much as I enjoyed this one, and I did, I can’t wait for Peggy’s story next. From the first book, I’ve been intrigued by her backstory and the blurb included only made my interest that much more.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 26, 2016
3.5 Stars
When I read Too Hot to Handle, Aaron was a character that intrigued me right away. Tessa Bailey gives the reader just enough to catch their curiosity but then like the sadist that she surely is, she makes you wait until that particular Clrackson's book to appease it. Aaron is in his own personal hell; in a car with his siblings on the trek to NY with a brother that would sooner glare at him than talk to him and the regrets of what sent him away in the first place.
Aaron is advisor to the politicians and loves his job, but a mistake he made cost him everything. Now his only chance to resurrect his career, is to get on the good side of a senator that's on the fast trek to presidency. But then he meets the woman that throws a wrench into all his plans and good intentions
Aaron is broody and grumpy, but when that man lets his mouth loose? Holy explosive ovaries! Tessa knows how to write a hell of a dirty talker and she definitely doesn't disappoint with Aaron Clarkson.
This book had all the things I felt lacking in the first book; angst, sexual tension, and that sweet sweet burn of a sexual tension that burns to scorching levels. So why not rate higher? Well, my picky self was still missing a certain connection with the story. I just wasn't invested enough in the characters and the romance to be yearning to turn the pages. Don't get me wrong, it was entertaining and I definitely enjoyed it for the most part. But will it be something I come back to? Probably not. I also loved Grace's story, but something about her as a character just didn't connect me with her.
I loved getting a glimpse into the other two Clarkson siblings, and I'm practically salivating for Sage and her brooding Clarkson brother to get together already but I'm thinking Tessa is saving that bad boy for last.
If you're looking for a sexy contemporary romance with a whole lot of dirty talk and a brooding but completely endearing hero, definitely give this book a shot.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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She was forcing him to consider light and shadows, when he’d only ever dealt in black and white. And she was the light. Shining bright enough to flay him.
When I read Too Hot to Handle, Aaron was a character that intrigued me right away. Tessa Bailey gives the reader just enough to catch their curiosity but then like the sadist that she surely is, she makes you wait until that particular Clrackson's book to appease it. Aaron is in his own personal hell; in a car with his siblings on the trek to NY with a brother that would sooner glare at him than talk to him and the regrets of what sent him away in the first place.
Aaron is advisor to the politicians and loves his job, but a mistake he made cost him everything. Now his only chance to resurrect his career, is to get on the good side of a senator that's on the fast trek to presidency. But then he meets the woman that throws a wrench into all his plans and good intentions
Aaron is broody and grumpy, but when that man lets his mouth loose? Holy explosive ovaries! Tessa knows how to write a hell of a dirty talker and she definitely doesn't disappoint with Aaron Clarkson.
This book had all the things I felt lacking in the first book; angst, sexual tension, and that sweet sweet burn of a sexual tension that burns to scorching levels. So why not rate higher? Well, my picky self was still missing a certain connection with the story. I just wasn't invested enough in the characters and the romance to be yearning to turn the pages. Don't get me wrong, it was entertaining and I definitely enjoyed it for the most part. But will it be something I come back to? Probably not. I also loved Grace's story, but something about her as a character just didn't connect me with her.
I loved getting a glimpse into the other two Clarkson siblings, and I'm practically salivating for Sage and her brooding Clarkson brother to get together already but I'm thinking Tessa is saving that bad boy for last.
If you're looking for a sexy contemporary romance with a whole lot of dirty talk and a brooding but completely endearing hero, definitely give this book a shot.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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September 14, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cEI51s
A review I never thought I'd post. I kinda feel like I've been knocked down on my ass but for the first time I didn't love one from Bailey. Seriously that's something I never thought would happen. But Too Wild to Tame just didn't work for me at all and was a struggle from pretty early on. I'd almost DNFd it at 30% but pushed trough hoping things would turn around but sadly they just didn't for a number of reasons.
Alright, so the quick of it is that Aaron and his siblings are on a cross country trip together and making stops along the way where each needs to do something. For Aaron it's convincing a presidential candidate to give him a chance at joining his team despite his career being in shambles after sleeping with his previous boss's wife. And a chance he gets. Only too late realizing that a wild girl who captivated him the night before was his new boss's daughter.
I just really struggled with this one. I didn't find the characters likable or really see the chemistry or connection between them.
The writing felt clunky and in many places awkward and just didn't flow well which is something I'm not used to when I pick one up from Bailey.
Even the sex scenes failed at keeping my interest this time around. The dirty talk felt rather forced and multiple times I found myself going erg was that supposed to be sexy?
One of the biggest issues I had, though, was the heroine. Who stole $30,000 in donations from her father's political campaign. Because she felt she could put them to better use for her own pet project. And...they just let her. Everyone knew what she'd done and the harshest thing that happened? She was told she could eat dinner with the family and a guest or go to her cottage and eat alone. And that she'll be watched closer from then on out.
Really that's where I should have tapped out. That is utterly ridiculous. She should have been charged and put in jail for stealing 30 fucking grand. She never apologized, didn't return the money and instead used it to support her personal cause which was didn't really feel thought out in it's own right. Instead of anything happening everyone decides that they'd help her cause. So she steals from his constituents and gets exactly what she wants. Typical of our current political scene, I guess, so maybe it was authentic. But it's not a quality I can get behind in a heroine. Oh and another main female character in the book slaps the hero for saying something mean to his brother and he goes "I deserved it".
While I typically love Bailey down to my toes and can't get enough of her books this series and I, obviously, are not meshing quite right. Book one was an okay read for me but with this I think I'll be abandoning this series and holding out for her next endeavors.
December 17, 2022
Anything would feel still so close to so much…life. So much purity. And goddammit, the corrupt piece of shit inside him wanted to drag a finger right through that goodness, because he didn’t understand it. Resented being left out in the cold when it came to something…someone…so warm and inviting and the opposite of him in every way.
He wanted to climb on top of this girl and absorb the light seeping from her.
Aaron Clarkson is self-assured, very good with his mouth, whether it’s building up politicians or making women swoon in the bedroom, he knows how to spins things to his advantage. And after being fired from his previous position for making the wrong choice, he’s determined to win his place back in the world he knows best. That is until he meets Grace, who’s wild, eccentric, gorgeous and off limits to him. Not only is she too good for him, but she’s also the daughter of the senator he’s trying to get to hire him.
Grace Pendleton is misunderstood by most, she’s the black sheep of her very conservative family, and all she wants to do is make up for the tragic past that won’t let her go. She wants to save the world, and the last person she should be attracted to is Aaron, who stands for everything she hates, the manipulation and lies that goes with politics. But she can’t help being drawn to Aaron, and sometimes seeing the good he hides behind his charm and smooth demeanour.
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking I could be a good man. I will let you down.”
But who is the real Aaron, and will he choose his career or what he found with Grace?
It was insane. Everything was insane. She was forcing him to consider light and shadows, when he’d only ever dealt in black and white. And she was the light. Shining bright enough to flay him.
I had a difficult time at first connecting with Grace. She came across as too naïve, too weird especially after she stole her father’s campaign money. But as the story progressed and we learn more about her tragic past and her reasons for wanting to do good in the world and why she stole the money, I could definitely sympathise why she was the way she was. I loved her goodness, her honesty and even her weirdness. I especially loved that she could see the good in Aaron when he tried so hard to show her otherwise.
He needed to be a better man for Grace—and himself—with every inch of his soul.
Aaron was such a complex character, so broken in his views of himself and I loved him. He thought there wasn’t anything good about himself, that being an exceptional liar and manipulator was all he could excel at, but with everything he did for his family and the way he was with Grace just proved the opposite.
“I remember every mark on your body,” Aaron answered gruffly, coming closer. “Everything you’ve ever said to me. The way your lips moved saying it. Everything about you is written in stone—” He broke off, chest heaving. “Written in stone somewhere I didn’t think existed. In me. On me. All over me. You wrote yourself there.”
I loved the powerful instant attraction between Aaron and Grace, and how being with her brought forth a side to Aaron he didn’t know he was capable of. I loved how protective he was with Grace when it came to her family and the media, and how possessive he was over her. I even loved how hard he tried to protect her from himself because he didn’t think he was good enough for her. And his dirty talk was so freaking hot and the sexy times scorching!! Tessa Bailey sure knows how to write hot and sexy romance ;-D
I love the plot of the story and all the Clarkson siblings, the road trip they are taking because their mother who passed away wanted it from them. They are all so broken in ways, but so loyal to each other. Peggy’s book is next and although I love her, I’m a bit worried after seeing how heartbroken she is because of a certain guy, and I’m not sure how her plan of revenge is going to work.
“Sage,” Belmont continued on, as if Aaron hadn’t spoken. “She has this way of…slowing my heartbeat down, speeding it up, slowing it down again. Is that normal?”
Then there’s Belmont and Sage and their intense and very weird chemistry. Since the first book it’s been clear as day that these two are made for each other, the desire between them has been so palpable but despite their constant stares and touches, nothing has happened which baffles me tremendously. Luckily we got a little insight into the gruff and silent Belmont in this book and it explained a lot about why he hasn’t made a move on Sage. I really can’t wait for their book.
I’m really loving this series and I can’t wait for the final two books. A must read for all romance fans.
February 25, 2017
Too Wild to Tame makes justice to its name!
This second installment of the Romancing the Clarksons, brings us Aaron's story. The uptight politician younger son of the Clarkson family. He is the embodiment of everything calculated and overanalyzed to the max, so when his exact opposite crosses packs, or better yet, falls into his arms, in the shape of a wild spirited woman, he may resist, but the attraction is just to strong to fight!
Grace has such a sad past, filled with misplaced guilt, that she does everything to try to please her politician of a family, even when they do everything in their power to destroy her beautiful spirit, her wild and free nature, so Aaron - who represents everything that she despises and tries to fight against - should be the last person she wanted. But soul deep connection and attraction like theirs can be fought, so she embraces it, because she sees something more in Aaron, something pure.
If only Aaron could open up and see himself that way... But too many deep seated ideas and fears, as well and ugly past (justified here in my opinion, because it was truly revolting, I wish Tessa hadn't introduced that mistake/error in that very shape, even though it's meant to shock, but it was far too despicable behavior on Aaron and the OW's side, imo, and they were equally at fault), but his self recrimination and self disgust were more than evident, and in the end, it made me feel for him. It made him more human, more real.
This was a beautiful love story, where two lost souls find each other with the help of the other. A true case of opposites attract, and that action of the past don't have to define who you are.
In Too Wilde to Tame, Tessa Bailey gave us all of her delicious constants of amazing writing, enrapturing storyline and incredibly hot sex scenes, but also an incredible an emotional story of personal growth through love! <3 <3 <3 <3
Can't wait for the rest of the Clarksons! Specially the next, Peggy's story!
ARC kindly provided by the author via Forever Publishing in exchange for an honest review
This second installment of the Romancing the Clarksons, brings us Aaron's story. The uptight politician younger son of the Clarkson family. He is the embodiment of everything calculated and overanalyzed to the max, so when his exact opposite crosses packs, or better yet, falls into his arms, in the shape of a wild spirited woman, he may resist, but the attraction is just to strong to fight!
Grace has such a sad past, filled with misplaced guilt, that she does everything to try to please her politician of a family, even when they do everything in their power to destroy her beautiful spirit, her wild and free nature, so Aaron - who represents everything that she despises and tries to fight against - should be the last person she wanted. But soul deep connection and attraction like theirs can be fought, so she embraces it, because she sees something more in Aaron, something pure.
If only Aaron could open up and see himself that way... But too many deep seated ideas and fears, as well and ugly past (justified here in my opinion, because it was truly revolting, I wish Tessa hadn't introduced that mistake/error in that very shape, even though it's meant to shock, but it was far too despicable behavior on Aaron and the OW's side, imo, and they were equally at fault), but his self recrimination and self disgust were more than evident, and in the end, it made me feel for him. It made him more human, more real.
This was a beautiful love story, where two lost souls find each other with the help of the other. A true case of opposites attract, and that action of the past don't have to define who you are.
In Too Wilde to Tame, Tessa Bailey gave us all of her delicious constants of amazing writing, enrapturing storyline and incredibly hot sex scenes, but also an incredible an emotional story of personal growth through love! <3 <3 <3 <3
Can't wait for the rest of the Clarksons! Specially the next, Peggy's story!
ARC kindly provided by the author via Forever Publishing in exchange for an honest review
February 7, 2017
Now available in paperback!
Read an Excerpt and enter giveaway HERE.
I may have forgotten to review this book, but I certainly didn't forget the story! Aaron and Grace are characters that have stuck with me because of how much they both impacted me.
To be honest I got a little afraid when I realized Grace was the daughter of a Presidential candidate because I really don't need politics in my books right now when I'm trying to escape them in real life. I really didn't have anything to fear though because there were no overly political things involved in this book that bothered me. Instead I came to really like Grace and her need to change life for the better. She was a headstrong character that went after what she wanted, and I really admired that.
Aaron never thought he would be the "one" for some woman out there. But when Grace came along she started to make him realize that he wasn't meant to be alone in life. I loved these two together and they were smoking up the pages of this book. There were moments between them that had me fanning myself but also a lot of moments that had me happy sighing, and I really liked how Tessa Bailey was able to bring so many emotions out of these characters.
Bottom line, you seriously need to read this book. The Clarkson family's trip has been one hell of a ride and i's not one you want to miss. I can't wait to get Peggy's book next and I can already tell that her story is going to be a great addition to this series.
Read an Excerpt and enter giveaway HERE.
I may have forgotten to review this book, but I certainly didn't forget the story! Aaron and Grace are characters that have stuck with me because of how much they both impacted me.
To be honest I got a little afraid when I realized Grace was the daughter of a Presidential candidate because I really don't need politics in my books right now when I'm trying to escape them in real life. I really didn't have anything to fear though because there were no overly political things involved in this book that bothered me. Instead I came to really like Grace and her need to change life for the better. She was a headstrong character that went after what she wanted, and I really admired that.
Aaron never thought he would be the "one" for some woman out there. But when Grace came along she started to make him realize that he wasn't meant to be alone in life. I loved these two together and they were smoking up the pages of this book. There were moments between them that had me fanning myself but also a lot of moments that had me happy sighing, and I really liked how Tessa Bailey was able to bring so many emotions out of these characters.
Bottom line, you seriously need to read this book. The Clarkson family's trip has been one hell of a ride and i's not one you want to miss. I can't wait to get Peggy's book next and I can already tell that her story is going to be a great addition to this series.
September 10, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
The Clarkson siblings are off to New York City to fulfill their mother’s wishes. What started off as a party of four soon found themselves down to three as Rita Clarkson found her happily ever after in previous book, Too Hot To Handle. With Aaron, Peggy, and Belmont Clarkson left and their friend, Sage tagging along the road-trip, it seems another detour and stop will be in the works as Aaron Clarkson might discover that home might be with a hippie girl, who happens to be the Senator’s daughter that he is employed for.
“I shouldn’t be here, Grace.” Despite his statement, he reached out, wrapping his grip around her bicep, and positioned her in front of his much larger frame, wedging her belly up against the counter. “I shouldn’t be here. I don’t fuck around with girls’ hairstyles. Or ribbons, for Christ’s sake. You hear me?”
Aaron Clarkson is that one sibling who is career driven to be the best. Failure is not an option and so when Aaron’s political career is possibly damaged due to a scandal back in California, Aaron finds himself trying to salvage his career. When Aaron lands himself as a job with a high profiled Senator, he is well aware that he needs to keep his eye on the prize. His career is his number one priority that is until she entered the pictured.
Grace Pendlelton is the black sheep of her conservative political family. Her father kept her away from the public eye for his benefit and as well as hers. Grace is wild, free-spirited and has a beautiful honest heart even though something bad had happened to her in the past. And so when Aaron meets Grace, something about her wild and carefree persona spoke to him. She was like a siren luring him to let go. Their chemistry was electric. It was raw. It was happiness. It was love. But what happens when Aaron’s guarded walls begins to reappear, will he be able to love Grace the way that she needs to be loved? Or will his fears destroy the best thing that has ever happened to him?
“Do you trust me enough to follow me? Please say yes.”
Too Wild To Tame is a love story that perfectly blends passion, hope, forgiveness, and vulnerability in such a beautiful and heartfelt manner. This book is so much more than a love story but a culmination of what it means to sacrifice, have the support of your family, and experience true happiness. Tessa Bailey once again stole our hearts as she allowed readers to see that life is truly a journey. It is filled with ups and downs. And the beauty of life is that it can be rewritten and changed. For Aaron Clarkson, he found his way. His heart. His home. His wild woman. So if you are looking for a story that is layered with heart, honesty, love, and family then Too Wild To Tame is the book for you. With two Clarkson siblings finding love, I can’t wait to see what Tessa Bailey has in store for Peggy and Belmont. Next stop, Peggy Clarkson.
Tessa Bailey
The Clarkson siblings are off to New York City to fulfill their mother’s wishes. What started off as a party of four soon found themselves down to three as Rita Clarkson found her happily ever after in previous book, Too Hot To Handle. With Aaron, Peggy, and Belmont Clarkson left and their friend, Sage tagging along the road-trip, it seems another detour and stop will be in the works as Aaron Clarkson might discover that home might be with a hippie girl, who happens to be the Senator’s daughter that he is employed for.
“I shouldn’t be here, Grace.” Despite his statement, he reached out, wrapping his grip around her bicep, and positioned her in front of his much larger frame, wedging her belly up against the counter. “I shouldn’t be here. I don’t fuck around with girls’ hairstyles. Or ribbons, for Christ’s sake. You hear me?”Aaron Clarkson is that one sibling who is career driven to be the best. Failure is not an option and so when Aaron’s political career is possibly damaged due to a scandal back in California, Aaron finds himself trying to salvage his career. When Aaron lands himself as a job with a high profiled Senator, he is well aware that he needs to keep his eye on the prize. His career is his number one priority that is until she entered the pictured.
Grace Pendlelton is the black sheep of her conservative political family. Her father kept her away from the public eye for his benefit and as well as hers. Grace is wild, free-spirited and has a beautiful honest heart even though something bad had happened to her in the past. And so when Aaron meets Grace, something about her wild and carefree persona spoke to him. She was like a siren luring him to let go. Their chemistry was electric. It was raw. It was happiness. It was love. But what happens when Aaron’s guarded walls begins to reappear, will he be able to love Grace the way that she needs to be loved? Or will his fears destroy the best thing that has ever happened to him?
“Do you trust me enough to follow me? Please say yes.”Too Wild To Tame is a love story that perfectly blends passion, hope, forgiveness, and vulnerability in such a beautiful and heartfelt manner. This book is so much more than a love story but a culmination of what it means to sacrifice, have the support of your family, and experience true happiness. Tessa Bailey once again stole our hearts as she allowed readers to see that life is truly a journey. It is filled with ups and downs. And the beauty of life is that it can be rewritten and changed. For Aaron Clarkson, he found his way. His heart. His home. His wild woman. So if you are looking for a story that is layered with heart, honesty, love, and family then Too Wild To Tame is the book for you. With two Clarkson siblings finding love, I can’t wait to see what Tessa Bailey has in store for Peggy and Belmont. Next stop, Peggy Clarkson.
Tessa Bailey
Read
September 25, 2016DNF @35%
I couldn't get behind the heroine. I should've loved her because she has some serious flaws but these flaws are sold us "not flaws" but lovable and often misunderstood quirks. And those who try to don't like her are really just bad people who don't understand her heart. Of course, everyone who is considered good in this book can't help but love her. In other words, she's a special snowflake who gets away with But since her father is really a bad father, then it's okay.
Yeah. Not my type of heroine at all.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't get behind the heroine. I should've loved her because she has some serious flaws but these flaws are sold us "not flaws" but lovable and often misunderstood quirks. And those who try to don't like her are really just bad people who don't understand her heart. Of course, everyone who is considered good in this book can't help but love her. In other words, she's a special snowflake who gets away with But since her father is really a bad father, then it's okay.
Yeah. Not my type of heroine at all.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2016
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Too Wild to Tame by Tessa Bailey
Book Two of the Romancing the Clarksons series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: September 6, 2016
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Sometimes you just can't resist playing with fire . . .
By day, Aaron Clarkson suits up, shakes hands, and acts the perfect gentleman. But at night, behind bedroom doors, the tie comes off and the real Aaron comes out to play. Mixing business with pleasure got him fired, so Aaron knows that if he wants to work for the country's most powerful senator, he'll have to keep his eye on the prize. That's easier said than done when he meets the senator's daughter, who's wild, gorgeous, and 100 percent trouble.
Grace Pendleton is the black sheep of her conservative family. Yet while Aaron's presence reminds her of a past she'd rather forget, something in his eyes keeps drawing her in. Maybe it's the way his voice turns her molten. Or maybe it's because deep down inside, the ultra-smooth, polished Aaron Clarkson might be more than even Grace can handle . . .
What I Liked:
I feel like the latest Tessa Bailey books have put me in a difficult position, in terms of how I should rate them. On the one hand, there are major things I've disliked about each book. On the other hand, there are other major things that have, in a way, made up for those "bad" major things. So I end up with the three-star rating. I hate certain things about the book, I like other things, and I find myself meeting in the middle to rate and review. Most of her books that I've read have received between three and four stars, which is positive. But I haven't experienced a real "wow" factor book (like my all-time favorite Bailey book, Officer Off Limits).
Aaron Clarkson is headed to Iowa with his little sister Peggy and older brother Belmont. They're road-tripping to the East Coast as per their mother's dying wishes, but Aaron is stopping in Iowa to try and restart his political career. He'll do so by trying to get a job with a senator running for president. Little does he know that the president's eccentric daughter is going to take him by storm.
This book felt like it was entirely Aaron's, which I was okay with. I liked Aaron; he's a player, a one-night-stand guy, a no-feelings, no-conscious smooth-talking politician. But there is so much emotional and mental weight behind those eyes. He thinks everyone thinks he's a manipulator, like most politicians. He thinks his brother hates him. Honestly Aaron doesn't have a high opinion of himself, even if he seems a little arrogant. This book was about how he began to change his view of himself, and how he healed his relationship with his brother (and family in general). And, of course, how he fell in love with Grace and practically regrew emotions.
Grace is... bizarre. Eccentric is the closest word I can come up with to describe her. She's so wild, and needs so much space. Her family doesn't allow her to come to her father's speeches and meetings and debates and such, because she's liable to do something crazy or embarrassing or illegal. I'm sorry, but Grace is a little crazy. To be honest, I didn't love her. But I will say that she is probably one of Bailey's most unique heroines, and she was a well-written character.
I'm feeling kind of meh about the plot, and I already mentioned that I didn't love Grace. I liked Aaron, his emotional journey, and the small scenes we get to see him interact with his family. While I thought the romance happened a little too quickly, I liked how steamy the (few) sex scenes were.
Overall, this wasn't a bad companion sequel. I like the road-tripping, the bonding, the cute pet. This isn't one of Bailey's best novels (in my opinion), but it wasn't terrible either.
What I Did Not Like:
I didn't like Grace very much. Now, I didn't hate her either. I just didn't connect with her, and it makes sense, because we are polar opposite. I'm not wild and carefree and totally eccentric like she is. Let me tell you, guys -- this girl is so weird. And weird is not bad! I had a hard time connecting with her weird.
Also, I just couldn't get passed her committing an illegal crime, and then Aaron having the blame forced on him, and Grace not doing much about this! Um, hello, she did something HUGE and illegal? Regardless of the Robin-Hood-like intentions (which, ehhh, not really), she did something really, really bad. And illegal. Did I mention illegal? It's no wonder her family tries to cage her.
I was furious when Aaron wasn't totally furious at having that crime foisted on him (unintentional on Grace's part, but still). How was he not even a little angry, and didn't resent her even a little? Heck, he felt guilty that she fessed up and told her father the truth. AARON felt guilty?! About that?! I'm telling you, these people are so dumb sometimes. So totally dumb. And this is only after a few hours (aggregate) of interaction between Aaron and Grace. It's like, one-fourth in (really close to the beginning).
I did mention that I wasn't really feeling the plot. It was pretty boring, especially for a romance novel. I just felt like there wasn't much to it! What was the point? Rebuilding a camp? In the grand scheme of things, it felt very unrelated and insignificant. It related to Grace's past, but I didn't really connect it with the overall plot of the series. It just didn't fit well, in my opinion.
One thing I will say about Grace is that I like how she is very direct in her weirdness, and doesn't play games. She doesn't try to make Aaron jealous by exaggerating talking with other men, or anything like that. But still, it seemed like Aaron was totally lovesick after knowing her for two minutes, and he was pushing and pulling, and she was constantly sad about not getting her way.
That probably covers everything! You see what I mean? Positives here, negatives there...
Would I Recommend It:
Honestly I wouldn't even recommend this book. The first book, Too Hot to Handle, was not bad. It features another self-deprecating hero, but the heroine isn't totally batsh*t crazy, and the story seemed to flow better somehow. This book... meh, no. It wasn't satisfying or particularly enjoyable/lovable.
Rating:
3 stars. I'm disappointed that I'm not rating this one higher, but I didn't love the book. I might actually skip the next one, because I can already see that I might not like Peggy. Or her old man.
Too Wild to Tame by Tessa Bailey
Book Two of the Romancing the Clarksons series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: September 6, 2016
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Sometimes you just can't resist playing with fire . . .
By day, Aaron Clarkson suits up, shakes hands, and acts the perfect gentleman. But at night, behind bedroom doors, the tie comes off and the real Aaron comes out to play. Mixing business with pleasure got him fired, so Aaron knows that if he wants to work for the country's most powerful senator, he'll have to keep his eye on the prize. That's easier said than done when he meets the senator's daughter, who's wild, gorgeous, and 100 percent trouble.
Grace Pendleton is the black sheep of her conservative family. Yet while Aaron's presence reminds her of a past she'd rather forget, something in his eyes keeps drawing her in. Maybe it's the way his voice turns her molten. Or maybe it's because deep down inside, the ultra-smooth, polished Aaron Clarkson might be more than even Grace can handle . . .
What I Liked:
I feel like the latest Tessa Bailey books have put me in a difficult position, in terms of how I should rate them. On the one hand, there are major things I've disliked about each book. On the other hand, there are other major things that have, in a way, made up for those "bad" major things. So I end up with the three-star rating. I hate certain things about the book, I like other things, and I find myself meeting in the middle to rate and review. Most of her books that I've read have received between three and four stars, which is positive. But I haven't experienced a real "wow" factor book (like my all-time favorite Bailey book, Officer Off Limits).
Aaron Clarkson is headed to Iowa with his little sister Peggy and older brother Belmont. They're road-tripping to the East Coast as per their mother's dying wishes, but Aaron is stopping in Iowa to try and restart his political career. He'll do so by trying to get a job with a senator running for president. Little does he know that the president's eccentric daughter is going to take him by storm.
This book felt like it was entirely Aaron's, which I was okay with. I liked Aaron; he's a player, a one-night-stand guy, a no-feelings, no-conscious smooth-talking politician. But there is so much emotional and mental weight behind those eyes. He thinks everyone thinks he's a manipulator, like most politicians. He thinks his brother hates him. Honestly Aaron doesn't have a high opinion of himself, even if he seems a little arrogant. This book was about how he began to change his view of himself, and how he healed his relationship with his brother (and family in general). And, of course, how he fell in love with Grace and practically regrew emotions.
Grace is... bizarre. Eccentric is the closest word I can come up with to describe her. She's so wild, and needs so much space. Her family doesn't allow her to come to her father's speeches and meetings and debates and such, because she's liable to do something crazy or embarrassing or illegal. I'm sorry, but Grace is a little crazy. To be honest, I didn't love her. But I will say that she is probably one of Bailey's most unique heroines, and she was a well-written character.
I'm feeling kind of meh about the plot, and I already mentioned that I didn't love Grace. I liked Aaron, his emotional journey, and the small scenes we get to see him interact with his family. While I thought the romance happened a little too quickly, I liked how steamy the (few) sex scenes were.
Overall, this wasn't a bad companion sequel. I like the road-tripping, the bonding, the cute pet. This isn't one of Bailey's best novels (in my opinion), but it wasn't terrible either.
What I Did Not Like:
I didn't like Grace very much. Now, I didn't hate her either. I just didn't connect with her, and it makes sense, because we are polar opposite. I'm not wild and carefree and totally eccentric like she is. Let me tell you, guys -- this girl is so weird. And weird is not bad! I had a hard time connecting with her weird.
Also, I just couldn't get passed her committing an illegal crime, and then Aaron having the blame forced on him, and Grace not doing much about this! Um, hello, she did something HUGE and illegal? Regardless of the Robin-Hood-like intentions (which, ehhh, not really), she did something really, really bad. And illegal. Did I mention illegal? It's no wonder her family tries to cage her.
I was furious when Aaron wasn't totally furious at having that crime foisted on him (unintentional on Grace's part, but still). How was he not even a little angry, and didn't resent her even a little? Heck, he felt guilty that she fessed up and told her father the truth. AARON felt guilty?! About that?! I'm telling you, these people are so dumb sometimes. So totally dumb. And this is only after a few hours (aggregate) of interaction between Aaron and Grace. It's like, one-fourth in (really close to the beginning).
I did mention that I wasn't really feeling the plot. It was pretty boring, especially for a romance novel. I just felt like there wasn't much to it! What was the point? Rebuilding a camp? In the grand scheme of things, it felt very unrelated and insignificant. It related to Grace's past, but I didn't really connect it with the overall plot of the series. It just didn't fit well, in my opinion.
One thing I will say about Grace is that I like how she is very direct in her weirdness, and doesn't play games. She doesn't try to make Aaron jealous by exaggerating talking with other men, or anything like that. But still, it seemed like Aaron was totally lovesick after knowing her for two minutes, and he was pushing and pulling, and she was constantly sad about not getting her way.
That probably covers everything! You see what I mean? Positives here, negatives there...
Would I Recommend It:
Honestly I wouldn't even recommend this book. The first book, Too Hot to Handle, was not bad. It features another self-deprecating hero, but the heroine isn't totally batsh*t crazy, and the story seemed to flow better somehow. This book... meh, no. It wasn't satisfying or particularly enjoyable/lovable.
Rating:
3 stars. I'm disappointed that I'm not rating this one higher, but I didn't love the book. I might actually skip the next one, because I can already see that I might not like Peggy. Or her old man.
August 22, 2016
5 Ribbons in the Hair Stars
**ARC generously provided via publisher per Netgalley**
I first met the eclectic Clarkson family when the four siblings piled into an old suburban and headed across country to fulfil a request from their famous chef mother. Rita, Aaron, Belmont and Peggy are not the typical siblings. They have issues that go on for miles and I am starting to see that their hardnosed, somewhat aloof mother may have just been a bit genius in her request for them to go jump into the icy Atlantic on New Year’s. As with each mile passed, each sibling seems to be finding more than a bond with one another.
This is the story of Aaron Clarkson. The rising star in the world of politics on the run from a sex scandal. He is focused and determined to find his way back into the political realm and he has the lack of conscience to do so. With his stiff suits and cut-throat demeanor, there is no doubt will get back into the office of the country’s most influential Senator. He just isn’t prepared to get his chance at the expense of a beautiful hippie who may just truly see him clearer than anyone ever has.
Grace Pendleton is like no other woman Aaron has encountered. She is free and fresh, yet tortured. He finds himself drawn to her clarity and open mind. She is all kinds of trouble, but nothing like the toil Aaron has found himself a part of in the past. Grace is a bit of a force of nature, literally. She is unique in her both her character and her look. Her mere “talk” and presence cracks the hard armor Aaron wears, and what is beneath makes this whole story so damn amazing.
I am the first to admit that I read Tessa Bailey for the heat! When I read book 1 of the Clarkson Family, I felt disconnected and really didn’t get much into the story. I can say with 100% accuracy that this book, just #2 in series, may be my all-time favorite of her works. This book is DEPTH. The characters are so complex and their emotions are truly palpable. I knew within 15 pages of this story that this would be different.
Reading Too Wild to Tame was like slowly unwrapping the best present. With each scene, layer after layer was retracted in a man and woman, only to be halted by self-doubt and never been had emotions. I loved watching Aaron Clarkson struggle with himself…struggle to find purpose…struggle to want more than quick pleasure. I loved watching a woman take a chance…believe in her heart…follow her own path. So while, yes, I appreciated the typical Bailey heat and dirty talking alpha male that I have come accustomed took, I found so much more with a new touch of sweet angst. I was reading a man and woman falling in love for the first time and taking that leap. I was also reading the growing bond and the much needed peace for the Clarksons with each stop along the way to NYC!
**ARC generously provided via publisher per Netgalley**
I first met the eclectic Clarkson family when the four siblings piled into an old suburban and headed across country to fulfil a request from their famous chef mother. Rita, Aaron, Belmont and Peggy are not the typical siblings. They have issues that go on for miles and I am starting to see that their hardnosed, somewhat aloof mother may have just been a bit genius in her request for them to go jump into the icy Atlantic on New Year’s. As with each mile passed, each sibling seems to be finding more than a bond with one another.
This is the story of Aaron Clarkson. The rising star in the world of politics on the run from a sex scandal. He is focused and determined to find his way back into the political realm and he has the lack of conscience to do so. With his stiff suits and cut-throat demeanor, there is no doubt will get back into the office of the country’s most influential Senator. He just isn’t prepared to get his chance at the expense of a beautiful hippie who may just truly see him clearer than anyone ever has.
Grace Pendleton is like no other woman Aaron has encountered. She is free and fresh, yet tortured. He finds himself drawn to her clarity and open mind. She is all kinds of trouble, but nothing like the toil Aaron has found himself a part of in the past. Grace is a bit of a force of nature, literally. She is unique in her both her character and her look. Her mere “talk” and presence cracks the hard armor Aaron wears, and what is beneath makes this whole story so damn amazing.
I am the first to admit that I read Tessa Bailey for the heat! When I read book 1 of the Clarkson Family, I felt disconnected and really didn’t get much into the story. I can say with 100% accuracy that this book, just #2 in series, may be my all-time favorite of her works. This book is DEPTH. The characters are so complex and their emotions are truly palpable. I knew within 15 pages of this story that this would be different.
Reading Too Wild to Tame was like slowly unwrapping the best present. With each scene, layer after layer was retracted in a man and woman, only to be halted by self-doubt and never been had emotions. I loved watching Aaron Clarkson struggle with himself…struggle to find purpose…struggle to want more than quick pleasure. I loved watching a woman take a chance…believe in her heart…follow her own path. So while, yes, I appreciated the typical Bailey heat and dirty talking alpha male that I have come accustomed took, I found so much more with a new touch of sweet angst. I was reading a man and woman falling in love for the first time and taking that leap. I was also reading the growing bond and the much needed peace for the Clarksons with each stop along the way to NYC!
June 22, 2023
Read in print.
2.5 rounded down. Tessa Bailey, I am begging, BEGGING, you to google Iowa before you write a book set there. So many pieces of the setting took me out of the story because of how wrong they were.
1. There are no mountains in Iowa, in fact, it’s one of the flattest states in the country, maybe you could substitute mountain with hill but even then a stretch
2. Des Moines is a city and the bars do in fact stay open late at night
3. You cannot drink in a corn field in December because there is no stalks of corn in December, just dirt
4. 20 minutes north of Des Moines is not a secluded forest in the mountain, it is Ankeny, IA, home to every chain restaurant you could desire
Besides for feeling the need to defend my home state, I also didn’t particularly enjoy the political storyline. Most of the characters weren’t particularly likable and Aaron is definitely my least favorite of the siblings.
I still plan to finish the series because I only have one left and I’m super curious to read Peggy’s story.
2.5 rounded down. Tessa Bailey, I am begging, BEGGING, you to google Iowa before you write a book set there. So many pieces of the setting took me out of the story because of how wrong they were.
1. There are no mountains in Iowa, in fact, it’s one of the flattest states in the country, maybe you could substitute mountain with hill but even then a stretch
2. Des Moines is a city and the bars do in fact stay open late at night
3. You cannot drink in a corn field in December because there is no stalks of corn in December, just dirt
4. 20 minutes north of Des Moines is not a secluded forest in the mountain, it is Ankeny, IA, home to every chain restaurant you could desire
Besides for feeling the need to defend my home state, I also didn’t particularly enjoy the political storyline. Most of the characters weren’t particularly likable and Aaron is definitely my least favorite of the siblings.
I still plan to finish the series because I only have one left and I’m super curious to read Peggy’s story.
September 5, 2016
My love for Tessa Bailey continues to grow. It has the potential to get a little uncomfortable—for us both—but I’m just going to roll with it, because… Aaron.
Well, more specifically, Ms. Bailey’s pouty, growly, dirty boys, who have the softest underbellies and the hardest…abs. The hardest abs.
Not what you thought I was going to say, right? You’re all dirty birds. And I love you for it.
But in all seriousness, I loved reading Aaron and Grace’s story—one that was as funny as it was heartfelt, one that gave me all the feels. Because together, this good girl and bad boy (or is that quirky girl and serious boy…or hippie girl and opposite-of-hippie boy?) were just lovely. The way they came together was the cutest of meet-cutes, with a tinge of intrigue, and their rocky road was filled with sweet and sexy (oh, so fucking sexy) moments that made me smile and laugh and my panties melt—moments that broke the rating scale.
I enjoyed seeing these two skirt around each other—each with their own reasons for not wanting to engage, but not being able to stay away. Their connection was quick, too quick possibly for some (although I loved it), and their banter was both light-hearted and awash with a kind of sadness that made me ache. There was a depth to them that was unexpected and beautiful, and which made my love of the book near endless.
That’s not to say it was perfect. There were a couple of moments I wish had been built on, but in the end, my only real concern with Too Wild to Tame was what felt like a lack of closure for Aaron and his past. For much of the book, I expected something more to come, and the absence surprised me. It did not, however, lessen my enjoyment of the overall story.
Because I did enjoy it. So. Fucking. Much. This book WAS a hell of a lot of fun, and feelsy to the max. As this series continues—and whoa, I can’t wait for Penny, and Belmont and Sage to get their books—I hope to see more of those damn feels. More moments of familial connection (the hug…that fucking hug, y’all) that make my lips quiver. More self-discovery that makes my heart smile. More love that can’t be ignored.
And more pouty, growly, dirty boys to make my stomach clench… ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
~~~
What happens when you cross a free-thinking, open minded, very spirited woman with a tight-lipped, hot and sexy, Alpha politician? Sparks. A shit ton of heat and sparks.
Aaron Clarkson is desperately trying to salvage his career. All he’s good at in life is being a politician—well, in polite company, that’s all he thinks he’s good at. Behind closed doors, he’s a player and that’s gotten him in a heap of trouble. Now, with his sister and brother in tow, he’s continuing the drive across country—heading to Iowa to try to get back into the political realm. What he doesn’t plan on happening is meeting the Senator’s wild, gorgeous daughter, Grace, before he can even secure himself a position on the Senator’s staff.
Grace Pendleton is the daughter that’s not seen nor heard on her father’s campaign. She’s been trying move past the pain of her past, but there’s something about Aaron that reminds her of her dark days. She’s not afraid of him and the feelings he brings, though—if anything, his voice and his piercing gaze pull her towards him. Even though he views Grace as completely off limits…
I love a growly, dirty talking, Alpha leading male character. Aaron ticks of ALL the boxes. He’s ridiculously sexy when he’s around Grace—even when he’s trying to hold back. And Grace is an understated, underappreciated beauty. She’s more of a black sheep in her family—placed there by circumstances beyond her control and kept there for her “protection” from the exposure her father’s campaign could bring. But Grace isn’t a wallflower, as seen by her antics the night she meets Aaron. Their meet-cute in the woods is a catalyst for much of their story.
I loved Aaron from the start. I looked beyond his tough veneer to his soft smooshy insides that just wanted to fit in and be loved—loved by his family and by Grace. And Grace grew on me. In the beginning I wasn’t so sure, but as her story unfolded and the relationship developed, I moved past my initial concerns and realized her free thinking, hippie ways were just what Aaron needed.
The Clarkson family dynamic is so interesting. Part of me wishes that Aaron’s big moment was witnessed by his whole family, but I think the New Year’s Day reunion is going to tie it all together. I’m anxious to see how Peggy fares in the next book, and of course am dying to know the whole story behind Bel and Sage! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
Well, more specifically, Ms. Bailey’s pouty, growly, dirty boys, who have the softest underbellies and the hardest…abs. The hardest abs.
Not what you thought I was going to say, right? You’re all dirty birds. And I love you for it.
But in all seriousness, I loved reading Aaron and Grace’s story—one that was as funny as it was heartfelt, one that gave me all the feels. Because together, this good girl and bad boy (or is that quirky girl and serious boy…or hippie girl and opposite-of-hippie boy?) were just lovely. The way they came together was the cutest of meet-cutes, with a tinge of intrigue, and their rocky road was filled with sweet and sexy (oh, so fucking sexy) moments that made me smile and laugh and my panties melt—moments that broke the rating scale.
I enjoyed seeing these two skirt around each other—each with their own reasons for not wanting to engage, but not being able to stay away. Their connection was quick, too quick possibly for some (although I loved it), and their banter was both light-hearted and awash with a kind of sadness that made me ache. There was a depth to them that was unexpected and beautiful, and which made my love of the book near endless.
That’s not to say it was perfect. There were a couple of moments I wish had been built on, but in the end, my only real concern with Too Wild to Tame was what felt like a lack of closure for Aaron and his past. For much of the book, I expected something more to come, and the absence surprised me. It did not, however, lessen my enjoyment of the overall story.
Because I did enjoy it. So. Fucking. Much. This book WAS a hell of a lot of fun, and feelsy to the max. As this series continues—and whoa, I can’t wait for Penny, and Belmont and Sage to get their books—I hope to see more of those damn feels. More moments of familial connection (the hug…that fucking hug, y’all) that make my lips quiver. More self-discovery that makes my heart smile. More love that can’t be ignored.
And more pouty, growly, dirty boys to make my stomach clench… ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
~~~
What happens when you cross a free-thinking, open minded, very spirited woman with a tight-lipped, hot and sexy, Alpha politician? Sparks. A shit ton of heat and sparks.
Aaron Clarkson is desperately trying to salvage his career. All he’s good at in life is being a politician—well, in polite company, that’s all he thinks he’s good at. Behind closed doors, he’s a player and that’s gotten him in a heap of trouble. Now, with his sister and brother in tow, he’s continuing the drive across country—heading to Iowa to try to get back into the political realm. What he doesn’t plan on happening is meeting the Senator’s wild, gorgeous daughter, Grace, before he can even secure himself a position on the Senator’s staff.
Grace Pendleton is the daughter that’s not seen nor heard on her father’s campaign. She’s been trying move past the pain of her past, but there’s something about Aaron that reminds her of her dark days. She’s not afraid of him and the feelings he brings, though—if anything, his voice and his piercing gaze pull her towards him. Even though he views Grace as completely off limits…
I love a growly, dirty talking, Alpha leading male character. Aaron ticks of ALL the boxes. He’s ridiculously sexy when he’s around Grace—even when he’s trying to hold back. And Grace is an understated, underappreciated beauty. She’s more of a black sheep in her family—placed there by circumstances beyond her control and kept there for her “protection” from the exposure her father’s campaign could bring. But Grace isn’t a wallflower, as seen by her antics the night she meets Aaron. Their meet-cute in the woods is a catalyst for much of their story.
I loved Aaron from the start. I looked beyond his tough veneer to his soft smooshy insides that just wanted to fit in and be loved—loved by his family and by Grace. And Grace grew on me. In the beginning I wasn’t so sure, but as her story unfolded and the relationship developed, I moved past my initial concerns and realized her free thinking, hippie ways were just what Aaron needed.
The Clarkson family dynamic is so interesting. Part of me wishes that Aaron’s big moment was witnessed by his whole family, but I think the New Year’s Day reunion is going to tie it all together. I’m anxious to see how Peggy fares in the next book, and of course am dying to know the whole story behind Bel and Sage! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
October 15, 2022
I couldn’t get past the deep feeling that he’s a conservative.
December 20, 2017
Quit at 90%
Plot twist ruined this story for me!
November 20, 2017
I wanted to like this book, I tried and tried, but for some weird reason, I am having a hard time getting into this book. It is taking me forever to finish it. I drag and I made excuses, but the truth is, the story failed to capture me.
I found the hero unlikable and the heroine unrelatable.
I found them to be over-reacting to everything, and melodramatic in most situations, and I lost patience and lost focus.
I did finish the book (sort of), I skip and I skim, but I made it to the end.
October 26, 2023
I truly have never hated a book more than this one.
1 star is too generous. The characters and writing were BAD bad. Nothing made sense from the writing, to the plot, to the character motivations. I stopped trying to even understand anything that was going on.
Now excuse me while I go remove every Tessa Bailey book off of my TBR.
1 star is too generous. The characters and writing were BAD bad. Nothing made sense from the writing, to the plot, to the character motivations. I stopped trying to even understand anything that was going on.
Now excuse me while I go remove every Tessa Bailey book off of my TBR.
August 15, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
Tessa Bailey writes dirty talking, sexy men like absolutely no one else. You pick up one of her books, you know what you will be getting. And, Aaron does not disappoint. OMG. Dirty talking, sexy, and in a suit. Sign me up.
Aaron and Grace have wonderful chemistry...and their attraction, the person rebelling and wanting to be free and the one who is just starting to figure that out is clear from the beginning. Their story is interesting, Aaron is not the best guy, which he admits. Grace is a little fragile, her past has some things in it that anyone would struggle to get past, and her family doesn't seem quite willing to allow her to handle things in her own way.
The push and pull with Grace and Aaron is compelling, their interludes are hot, sexy and build their attraction and chemistry in a way that is believable, even if their attraction develops quickly.
I like how Bailey doesn't tell you the reason Aaron got fired until late in the book...it was a change moment for him, and in this case, it really didn't matter...other than to illustrate the man Aaron no longer is and how far he has come.
There was an element of insta-love, but at the same time, I believed it...and, even if I didn't, I would have been distracted by the dirty talking hot man.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
Tessa Bailey writes dirty talking, sexy men like absolutely no one else. You pick up one of her books, you know what you will be getting. And, Aaron does not disappoint. OMG. Dirty talking, sexy, and in a suit. Sign me up.
Aaron and Grace have wonderful chemistry...and their attraction, the person rebelling and wanting to be free and the one who is just starting to figure that out is clear from the beginning. Their story is interesting, Aaron is not the best guy, which he admits. Grace is a little fragile, her past has some things in it that anyone would struggle to get past, and her family doesn't seem quite willing to allow her to handle things in her own way.
The push and pull with Grace and Aaron is compelling, their interludes are hot, sexy and build their attraction and chemistry in a way that is believable, even if their attraction develops quickly.
I like how Bailey doesn't tell you the reason Aaron got fired until late in the book...it was a change moment for him, and in this case, it really didn't matter...other than to illustrate the man Aaron no longer is and how far he has come.
There was an element of insta-love, but at the same time, I believed it...and, even if I didn't, I would have been distracted by the dirty talking hot man.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
March 25, 2024
i dont remember anything already
January 31, 2024
Tessa Bailey serves again
October 6, 2022
I had recently read some earlier Tessa Bailey books, and enjoyed them at least as much as her two most recent series, so I decided to explore more of the back catalogue. Sadly, this one was not so great. There were some good ideas here, all totally undeveloped. There were some bad ideas that were fully explored. There were some tropes that I don't like very much. There was terrible character development. It is never clear why Aaron or his siblings act the way they do or why Grace's father acts the way he does, And there was the odd decision to tell the story completely from Aaron's point of view which does not work at all.
Grace exists as nothing more than a catalyst for Aaron's thoughts and actions. She has trauma so he can soothe her. She is "good" so he can focus on how evil he is (the supposed reason Aaron has supposedly turned the dark side and the evidence that he has in fact turned to the dark side is all absurd and insubstantial.) The prose is often truly bad and never exceeds mediocre. This is a 1.5 with a GR round up to 2 because there were some good ideas in here, and I am willing to accept they were part of the process Tessa has to go through to write later looks I quite liked.
Grace exists as nothing more than a catalyst for Aaron's thoughts and actions. She has trauma so he can soothe her. She is "good" so he can focus on how evil he is (the supposed reason Aaron has supposedly turned the dark side and the evidence that he has in fact turned to the dark side is all absurd and insubstantial.) The prose is often truly bad and never exceeds mediocre. This is a 1.5 with a GR round up to 2 because there were some good ideas in here, and I am willing to accept they were part of the process Tessa has to go through to write later looks I quite liked.
June 26, 2017
Tessa Bailey has broken a new ground of writing with Romancing the Clarksons. Four siblings as different as the seasons are brought together by a unknown promise, a foreign emotion known as love. The Clarksons will creep in your heart and renew your soul.
I was not completely convinced about Aaron when he was introduced. He's such a complex character that I was afraid I would hate him more than love him. Aaron Clarkson has more layers than a onion. Then Ms. Bailey peeled him with every word, peeled him with every chapter and this amazing person is revealed. Then there's Grace. Amazing Grace. Any attempt in describing her personality will only dull her shine. Grace is a heroine you want in your circle of friends. You will LOVE her.
Romancing the Clarksons is a very different series for Ms. Bailey. It's evident she poured her heart when writing about this family. My own heart felt ripped apart and then pieced together by the magic of her words. I love this family more and more. I love this series.
Read it.
Take the journey.
Meet the Clarksons...
I was not completely convinced about Aaron when he was introduced. He's such a complex character that I was afraid I would hate him more than love him. Aaron Clarkson has more layers than a onion. Then Ms. Bailey peeled him with every word, peeled him with every chapter and this amazing person is revealed. Then there's Grace. Amazing Grace. Any attempt in describing her personality will only dull her shine. Grace is a heroine you want in your circle of friends. You will LOVE her.
Romancing the Clarksons is a very different series for Ms. Bailey. It's evident she poured her heart when writing about this family. My own heart felt ripped apart and then pieced together by the magic of her words. I love this family more and more. I love this series.
Read it.
Take the journey.
Meet the Clarksons...
Want to read
June 24, 2023Anyone has safety info because for what I have read…
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
SPOILERS:
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
This H has cheated before and have had more than one gf at the time and then he is kicked out of a political party for sleeping with his boss’ wife. So the H is not the best person. I will say I think he is celibate after meeting h but his “personality” left a lot to be desired. And she “stole” money from her dad’s campaign so she can do something that she thinks it’s better…
Is this true???
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
SPOILERS:
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
This H has cheated before and have had more than one gf at the time and then he is kicked out of a political party for sleeping with his boss’ wife. So the H is not the best person. I will say I think he is celibate after meeting h but his “personality” left a lot to be desired. And she “stole” money from her dad’s campaign so she can do something that she thinks it’s better…
Is this true???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
Please excuse me while I weep uncontrollably 🥹
August 18, 2016
4 Hippie Stars
(Advanced copy given in exchange for and HONEST review.)
WOW! I was sort of speechless after I finished this book. I needed a day or two to gather my emotions and be able to accurately put into words how much this book blew me away.
I was not sure of our hero Aaron when I started this book. He was arrogant, bossy sometimes to the point of rudeness and just generally difficult to get a read on. Within minutes of meeting our heroine Grace I knew that Tessa had something very special in mind for Aaron. She was what drove me to read further. Grace was this enigma I had to know. Why is this fairy come to life even dealing with a person who seems to have this hard outer shell? But... what's this??? Does Grace see cracks in that finely honed armor of dry wit, fast thinking and strong force of nature? This crazy haired dynamo who resembles a hippie is going to knock this politician in the making for a loop! Seriously what an anomaly of a couple and they couldn't work better!!!
The second half of this book had me enthralled. I couldn't read fast enough. I needed more Aaron. I needed more Grace. AND oh did Tessa deliver. There was SO much to this second half of Aaron and Grace's story. Aaron's emotions were almost visible. He came to life with Grace guiding his heart. It was literally an awakening of the heart and the soul on the written page. I was an emotional mess... highs, lows, sweetness, HEAT, misunderstandings being resolved, old hurts coming to light and have I mentioned SEXY times with Tessa's trademark dirty talk??? Hell, I needed to set my kindle down and take a quick walk to cool off.
Another winner in this series that is becoming a true favorite of mine. Up next is Peggy and I think her story is going to blindside us all. She's the dark horse in this race. I just have that feeling that she is going to bring her man to his knees and us right along with her. I cannot wait to read it!!! Of course we still need to see more of Belmont and Sage. Oh sweet, grumbly, Belmont. You sir are going to annihilate me. I just know it. What a sweet way to go...
If you've not had the chance to read Too Hot To Handle, I suggest you start there. While not completely necessary to understand Aaron and Grace, it will give you much needed insight to the other siblings going forward in this series.
Happy Reading~ Sherry
Email: jezabellgirlandfriends@gmail.com
Web: http://jezabellgirl.com
FB: http://facebook.com/jezabellgirlandfr...
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(Advanced copy given in exchange for and HONEST review.)
WOW! I was sort of speechless after I finished this book. I needed a day or two to gather my emotions and be able to accurately put into words how much this book blew me away.
I was not sure of our hero Aaron when I started this book. He was arrogant, bossy sometimes to the point of rudeness and just generally difficult to get a read on. Within minutes of meeting our heroine Grace I knew that Tessa had something very special in mind for Aaron. She was what drove me to read further. Grace was this enigma I had to know. Why is this fairy come to life even dealing with a person who seems to have this hard outer shell? But... what's this??? Does Grace see cracks in that finely honed armor of dry wit, fast thinking and strong force of nature? This crazy haired dynamo who resembles a hippie is going to knock this politician in the making for a loop! Seriously what an anomaly of a couple and they couldn't work better!!!
The second half of this book had me enthralled. I couldn't read fast enough. I needed more Aaron. I needed more Grace. AND oh did Tessa deliver. There was SO much to this second half of Aaron and Grace's story. Aaron's emotions were almost visible. He came to life with Grace guiding his heart. It was literally an awakening of the heart and the soul on the written page. I was an emotional mess... highs, lows, sweetness, HEAT, misunderstandings being resolved, old hurts coming to light and have I mentioned SEXY times with Tessa's trademark dirty talk??? Hell, I needed to set my kindle down and take a quick walk to cool off.
Another winner in this series that is becoming a true favorite of mine. Up next is Peggy and I think her story is going to blindside us all. She's the dark horse in this race. I just have that feeling that she is going to bring her man to his knees and us right along with her. I cannot wait to read it!!! Of course we still need to see more of Belmont and Sage. Oh sweet, grumbly, Belmont. You sir are going to annihilate me. I just know it. What a sweet way to go...
If you've not had the chance to read Too Hot To Handle, I suggest you start there. While not completely necessary to understand Aaron and Grace, it will give you much needed insight to the other siblings going forward in this series.
Happy Reading~ Sherry
Email: jezabellgirlandfriends@gmail.com
Web: http://jezabellgirl.com
FB: http://facebook.com/jezabellgirlandfr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jezabell_girl
Google+: http://google.com/+JezabellGirl
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JezabellGirl
February 9, 2023
I feel guilty giving this three stars. I love Tessa Bailey dearly and she's one of my top favorites but boy .. this series is not her best. This one feels more pedantically tropey than her others and not very well executed at that. It took me weeks to finish when usually I devour her books in a day or two. You've got the damaged wild child sunshine character and the master manipulator character on the campaign trail and it goes exactly as expected, to the point I felt like I could have written the rest of the book after the first couple chapters. Even her spicy scenes felt forced and too wordy, a surprising disappointment given how deftly she usually handles that area.
January 14, 2020
There are certain books that I enjoy more than they objectively warrant. A little like Leonard Cohen, to whom I can listen obsessively, without being able to justify in the slightest why a man with a bad head cold should appeal to me so much. TWtT is one of those books. Unpicked, the motivations of neither H nor h are entirely convincing, but that didn't stop me emoting like blazes, ginger nut halted half-way to my flabbergasted lips during the crisis scenes. YMMV, of course.
June 27, 2023
Listen, I've read a decent amount of smut and can deal with some cringe, but this made me physically uncomfortable from how bad the smut was written. Typically, I would blacklist authors whose writing makes me cringe that badly, but I've heard that her other books are much better. Maybe I'll give them a shot, but first, I must cleanse page 100 from my brain.
June 16, 2025
2,5 🌟
Manic Pixie Dream Girl meets Mr.Urgently-Needs-Therapy. Also how can you be 26 and haven’t hugged a girl that’s not your sister?
+0,5 stars for Old Man peeing on Aaron
Manic Pixie Dream Girl meets Mr.Urgently-Needs-Therapy. Also how can you be 26 and haven’t hugged a girl that’s not your sister?
+0,5 stars for Old Man peeing on Aaron
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