Man Card by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby | ARC Review

Man Card (Man Hands #2) by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Publication Date: January 15, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 452
Source: eARC from Publicist
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Goodreads Description

Nothing ventured, nothing banged...

Ash
I still don't know how it happened. One minute I was arguing with my arrogant competitor--our usual trash-talk over who deserves the larger commission. But somehow I went from throwing down to kneeling down... 
It can never happen again. I don't even like Braht. He's too slick. He's a manipulating mansplaining party boy in preppy clothes.
So why can't I get him out of my head? 

Braht
There are two things I know without question. One: Ash and I are destined for each other. Two: never trust a man with a unibrow.
Ash is my missing my piece. She's the sweet cream to my gourmet espresso. And nothing gets me going faster than her contempt for me. They don't call her the Ashkicker for nothing. 
Eventually I'll win her over...if my past doesn't ruin everything first.

My Thoughts

Last month I had the opportunity to read and review Man Hands, the first book in this series. I enjoyed the story these two authors brought to life through Brynn and Tom. However, going into Man Card I was a little skeptical if I would enjoy the story as much because I wasn't sure the main character and her love interest were a good match.

I'm so happy to say I was proven wrong. I hate to say it but I think I enjoyed Ash and Braht's story more than Brynn and Tom's. Ash and Braht had a lot they needed to work on before they were ready for each other. It took a while for me to warm up to them but ultimately I ended up loving them and their progression from the beginning to the end of this novel.

There were a few times throughout the book when the characters seem to speak directly to the reader. It felt weird and I didn't like it because it pulled me out story each time. Besides this I really enjoyed the story. I was happy I got to see a little of Brynn and Tom and how life for them was after Man Hands. I really hope Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby decide to collaborate at least once more for Sadie. She deserves a happy ending too!

Man Hands by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby | ARC Review

Man Hands (Man Hands #1) by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Expected Publication Date: December 11, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 180
Source: eARC from Publicist
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Goodreads Description

BRYNN

At thirty-four, I’m reeling from a divorce. I don’t want to party or try to move on. I just want to stay home and post a new recipe on my blog: Brynn’s Dips and Balls.

But my friends aren’t having it. Get out there again, they say. It will be fun, they say. I’m still taking a hard pass. 

Free designer cocktails, they say. And that’s a game-changer. 

Too bad my ex shows up with his new arm candy. That’s when I lose my mind. But when my besties dare me to leap on the first single man I see, they don't expect me to actually go through with it.

TOM

All I need right now is some peace and quiet while my home renovation TV show is on hiatus. But when a curvy woman in a red wrap dress charges me like she’s a gymnast about to mount my high bar, all I can do is brace myself and catch her. What follows is the hottest experience of my adult life. 

I want a repeat, but my flying Cinderella disappears immediately afterward. She doesn’t leave a glass slipper, either—just a pair of panties with chocolate bunnies printed on them. 

But I will find her.

My Thoughts

Man Hands is the first book in a new series by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby. This book is told in dual perspective following Brynn and Tom. Brynn is recently divorced and not really sure where her life is going. Tom's renovation show is on hiatus and he just want to enjoy his time off. Trying to get her over the divorce, Brynn's friends take her to a party where she meets Tom when she literally runs into his arms.

This book was so much fun and I flew through it. From the characters to the plot the story was well done. Also, the writing between the two authors was seamless. I think my favorite part of the book was the characters. Each character had their own personality and I could feel how much thought went into them. I do wish we could have gotten a little more time with them and see the characters really get to know each other. Nonetheless, Man Hands was a sexy, funny read. I can't wait to see what these two authors come up with for Man Card, the next installment in this series.

Bountiful by Sarina Bowen | ARC Review

Bountiful (True North #4) by Sarina Bowen
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Publication Date: October 20, 2017
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 315
Source: eARC from Publicist
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Goodreads Description

No last names. No life stories. Those were the rules.

Once upon a time a cocky, copper-haired tourist sauntered into Zara’s bar. And even though she knew better, Zara indulged in a cure for the small-town blues. It was supposed to be an uncomplicated fling—a few sizzling weeks before he went back to his life, and she moved on. 

Until an accidental pregnancy changed her life. 

Two years later, she’s made peace with the notion that Dave No-Last-Name will never be found. Until one summer day when he walks into her coffee shop, leveling her with the same hot smile that always renders her defenseless.

Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach.

Or does it? Vermont’s countryside has a way of nurturing even tortured souls. The fields and the orchards—and hard won love—are Bountiful.

My Thoughts

Bountiful is the fourth standalone in the True North series. I hadn't heard of this series before receiving this book for review. Bountiful follows Dave and Zara after they meet in the bar Zara is running for her uncle in a small town in Vermont. After basically getting dumped Zara decides to use Dave as a distraction for the few weeks he's in town. Fast forward 2 years, Dave is back in town but his plans are quickly derailed when he finds out he has a daughter.

This story is not what I was expecting at all but I still really enjoyed it. Compare to some of the contemporary romance novels I've read lately, Bountiful is more realistic and I really enjoyed that. Zara and Dave both have a past that make it hard for them to open up and truly let someone in. A big part of this book revolved around both of them realizing they deserved more out of life than they kept telling themselves they did. It was nice seeing them take the time to get to know each other and take a chance at being happy.

After reading this I do wish I was able to see Dave interact more with Nicole and the rest of Zara's family. I know everyone wasn't going to completely accept him right away but I feel like I missed out on a big part of Dave's growth as a person. I wasn't a big fan of the abrupt ending. I appreciate that everything wasn't perfectly wrapped up but it just felt like the story ended in the middle of a thought. This is the first book I've read that Sarina Bowen has written by herself. As I mentioned before, I really enjoyed Bountiful and look forward to reading more of her novels.

Temporary by Sarina Bowen and Sarah Mayberry | ARC Mini Review

Temporary by Sarina Bowen and Sarah Mayberry
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 302
Source: eARC from Author
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Goodreads Description

The most beautiful man I've ever seen is the one who can ruin everything...

The first time I lay eyes on Callan Walker, I know he’ll be trouble. With his smug grin, hot Aussie accent and thousand dollar shoes, he’s just the kind of rich guy who always gets what he wants. 

And he wants two things: a night of sin, and my cooperation as he outmaneuvers his powerful mother to take control of his uncle’s estate.

I can’t afford either one. I’m the only thing standing between my little sister and the foster care system. He may have money and charm on his side, but I have something even more powerful -- pure desperation. This temp job at his mother’s company can become a full time job for me. It has to. 

But when Callan’s eyes rake over my body, sometimes I forget my obligations. His piercing gaze finds the fun, optimistic girl I used to be and not the tired person I’ve become.

And it works--if only for a moment. Our night together was a mistake. I can't afford to get sucked into his high-powered family’s treachery. But the closer I get to Callan, the more layers I find beneath those expensive clothes. Though I can’t forget this is temporary. He’s temporary. I have too much to lose. 

Too bad my foolish heart didn’t get the memo...

My Thoughts

Sarina Bowen and Sarah Mayberry are new-to-me authors. While I haven't read anything by either of them I have heard praise for Sarina Bowen and her books. A big problem that can come with co-authoring a book is a story seeming like two separate pieces were being forced together but that wasn't the case with this book. Temporary flowed together and was seamless. It felt like the entire book was written by one author.

This book took me by surprise. Based on the cover and synopsis I was expecting this to focus on a steamy romance and while that is part of it, that isn't the only topic this book focuses on. We get to see how the characters have been affected by not having the best home life growing up. It also shows how people deal with grief and different family dynamics.

Temporary was such a fun read. It didn't completely blow me away but it was still an amazing read. I do with this was a little longer. Callan and Grace went through quite a bit in this book but I still feel like it's only the beginning of their story. Not to mention that Temporary left off on a pretty big cliffhanger. I'm looking forward to seeing what stories these two authors come up with together in the future.

Temporary by Sarina Bowen & Sarah Mayberry | Cover Reveal + Win ARC

This is another first on my blog but I'm really excited for this one. Temporary is by two authors I've never read before but I have heard of Sarina Bowen a few times when looking for more New Adults books to read. Today, I present you with the cover of the book Sarina and Sarah have worked on together. Not only that, you also get the opportunity to win a paperback ARC for yourself. Temporary releases September 12th.

Here is a message from the authors!

Dear readers,

We're thrilled to bring you TEMPORARY, our first collaboration! It's the story of a hapless New York temp worker and the hot Aussie man who complicates her life. Coming September 12!

But we need your help! We have two blurbs for this book, and we can't make up our minds.

Which version is better? Your vote enters you to win a paperback ARC.

Thank you! Love,

Sarah & Sarina

Version A:

The most beautiful man she’s ever seen is the same one who can ruin everything.

The first time Grace Kerrington meets Callan Walker she's bowled over by his hotness - and his massive sense of entitlement. She can't believe she's going to have to deal with his smug commentary (in that sexy Australian accent) on a daily basis, all while trying to convince his ball-busting mother to give her a permanent job.

All Callan sees when he looks at Grace is yet another raptor-in-a-suit, wanting to climb the corporate ladder. Sure, she’s sexy, but he has bigger cattle to wrangle - like ensuring his recently deceased uncle’s final wishes are honored.

Grace needs this job--she’s all that stands between her little sister and social services. But Callan is a master player - and a master flirt. She was never supposed to succumb to his charm. But there’s a fine line between locking horns and locking other body parts.

She cannot fall for him. The game he’s playing with his estranged family is dangerous and dirty. Any idiot can see what’s happening between them can only ever be temporary. But Grace’s heart didn’t get the memo…

Warning: contains a hot Aussie who makes even ordinary words sound sexy, a crotch-obsessed poodle, weird Australian cookies, and one fabulous Chanel suit.

Version B:

The first time I lay eyes on Callan Walker, I know he’ll be trouble. With his smug grin, hot Aussie accent and thousand dollar shoes, he’s just the kind of rich guy who always gets what he wants.

And he wants two things: a night of sin, and my cooperation as he outmaneuvers his powerful mother to take control of his uncle’s estate.

I can’t afford either one. I’m the only thing standing between my little sister and the foster care system. He may have money and charm on his side, but I have something even more powerful -- pure desperation. This temp job at his mother’s company can become a full time job for me. It has to.

But when Callan’s eyes rake over my body, sometimes I forget my obligations. His piercing gaze finds the fun, optimistic girl I used to be and not the tired person I’ve become.

And it works--if only for a moment. Our night together was a mistake. I can't afford to get sucked into his high-powered family’s treachery. But the closer I get to Callan, the more layers I find beneath those expensive clothes. Though I can’t forget this is temporary. He’s temporary. I have too much to lose.

Too bad my foolish heart didn’t get the memo...

Make sure to go VOTE HERE!