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Shine Not Burn #1
Shine Not Burn
IT HAPPENED IN VEGAS.
I can't be held responsible. Things that happen there are supposed to stay there, right? Right? Yeeeah. Not so much.
Andie's just days away from tying the knot, but there's just ooooone little glitch. Apparently, she's already married. Or someone with her name is married to a guy out in Oregon of all places, and the courthouse won't issue her a marriage license until it's all cleared up. Tripping her way through cow pies and country songs to meet up with a man who gets around places on horseback is her very last idea of how to have a good time, but if she's going to get married, make partner at the firm, and have two point five kids before she's thirty-five, she needs to get to the bottom of this snafu and fix it quick ... before her fiance finds out and everything she's been working toward goes up in flames.
I can't be held responsible. Things that happen there are supposed to stay there, right? Right? Yeeeah. Not so much.
Andie's just days away from tying the knot, but there's just ooooone little glitch. Apparently, she's already married. Or someone with her name is married to a guy out in Oregon of all places, and the courthouse won't issue her a marriage license until it's all cleared up. Tripping her way through cow pies and country songs to meet up with a man who gets around places on horseback is her very last idea of how to have a good time, but if she's going to get married, make partner at the firm, and have two point five kids before she's thirty-five, she needs to get to the bottom of this snafu and fix it quick ... before her fiance finds out and everything she's been working toward goes up in flames.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
993 people are currently reading
12.6k people want to read
About the author
Elle Casey
85 books4,421 followersElle Casey, a former attorney and teacher, is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling American author who lives in France with her husband, the youngest of her three kids, and several horses, dogs, and cats. She has written more than 40 novels in less than 5 years and likes to say she offers fiction in several flavors. These flavors include romance, science fiction, urban fantasy, action adventure, suspense, and paranormal.
BOOKS BY ELLE CASEY (by genre):
ROMANCE
By Degrees
Rebel Wheels (3-book series)
Just One Night (romantic serial)
Just One Week
Love in New York (3-book series)
Shine Not Burn (2-book series), also available as an Audiobook
Bourbon Street Boys (3-book series), also available as an Audiobook
Desperate Measures
Mismatched
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
All the Glory: How Jason Bradley Went from Hero to Zero in Ten Seconds Flat
Don’t Make Me Beautiful
Wrecked (2-book series), Book 1 also available as an Audiobook
CONTEMPORARY URBAN FANTASY
War of the Fae (10-book series)
*Book 1, The Changelings, is a free ebook at most retailers*
Ten Things You Should Know About Dragons (short story, The Dragon Chronicles)
My Vampire Summer
Aces High
SCIENCE FICTION
Drifters’ Alliance (3-book series +)
Winner Takes All (short story prequel to Drifters’ Alliance, Dark Beyond the Stars Anthology)
The Ivory Tower (short story standalone, Beyond the Stars: A Planet Too Far. A Space Opera Anthology)
DYSTOPIAN
Apocalypsis (4-book series) *Book 1, Kahayatle, is a FREE ebook at most retailers*
PARANORMAL
Duality (2-book series)
Monkey Business (short story)
Dreampath (short story, The Telepath Chronicles)
Pocket Full of Sunshine (short story & screenplay)
A personal note from Elle ...
If you've enjoyed any of my books, please take a moment to leave a review on the site where you bought the book, here on Goodreads, or on any book blogs you participate in, and tell your friends! I love interacting with my readers, so if you feel like shooting the breeze or talking about books or your family or pets, please visit me. You can find me at:
www.ElleCasey.com
www.Facebook.com/ellecaseytheauthor
www.Twitter.com/ellecasey
www.Instagram.com/Ellecaseyauthor
Want to get an email when my next book is released? Sign up here: www.E
BOOKS BY ELLE CASEY (by genre):
ROMANCE
By Degrees
Rebel Wheels (3-book series)
Just One Night (romantic serial)
Just One Week
Love in New York (3-book series)
Shine Not Burn (2-book series), also available as an Audiobook
Bourbon Street Boys (3-book series), also available as an Audiobook
Desperate Measures
Mismatched
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
All the Glory: How Jason Bradley Went from Hero to Zero in Ten Seconds Flat
Don’t Make Me Beautiful
Wrecked (2-book series), Book 1 also available as an Audiobook
CONTEMPORARY URBAN FANTASY
War of the Fae (10-book series)
*Book 1, The Changelings, is a free ebook at most retailers*
Ten Things You Should Know About Dragons (short story, The Dragon Chronicles)
My Vampire Summer
Aces High
SCIENCE FICTION
Drifters’ Alliance (3-book series +)
Winner Takes All (short story prequel to Drifters’ Alliance, Dark Beyond the Stars Anthology)
The Ivory Tower (short story standalone, Beyond the Stars: A Planet Too Far. A Space Opera Anthology)
DYSTOPIAN
Apocalypsis (4-book series) *Book 1, Kahayatle, is a FREE ebook at most retailers*
PARANORMAL
Duality (2-book series)
Monkey Business (short story)
Dreampath (short story, The Telepath Chronicles)
Pocket Full of Sunshine (short story & screenplay)
A personal note from Elle ...
If you've enjoyed any of my books, please take a moment to leave a review on the site where you bought the book, here on Goodreads, or on any book blogs you participate in, and tell your friends! I love interacting with my readers, so if you feel like shooting the breeze or talking about books or your family or pets, please visit me. You can find me at:
www.ElleCasey.com
www.Facebook.com/ellecaseytheauthor
www.Twitter.com/ellecasey
www.Instagram.com/Ellecaseyauthor
Want to get an email when my next book is released? Sign up here: www.E
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,131 reviews
May 25, 2017
5 Cowboy up Stars
*Some Spoilers*
“If you really, really want me to stop touching you, I will. I swear it But if you want me to keep touching you, all you have to do is say please, and it’ll be done. I’ll touch you all night. All you have to do is ask.”
OMG OMG OMG I love this Freakin book!!!!!! It is so damn good. OMG I am in yummy cowboy heaven. This is my first time reading a Elle Casey book, and I am now a total fan girl. This is such a funny, sexy, and sweet love story I was swooning all over the place. I was laughing so hard at times that my husband kept coming and reading over my shoulder and snickering himself.
“It was the best night of my life and not just because you kept calling me King Dong.” I laughed. I couldn't help it. "Oh, how far I've fallen."
What this book is about
Andrea "Andie" Marks has her whole life planned out for her. Marriage, making partner at her law firm, and have children by the time she is 35 years old. She has followed her lifeplan since she was 15 years old except for those 2 days in Vegas for her best friend's bachelorette party. All she remembers about that Vegas trip 2 years ago was getting super drunk and that she slept with a sexy cowboy and the next day he left without a word. Now Andie is engaged to get married to Bradley who fits into her life plan, even though she doesn't really like him and he doesn't treat her well. It's just one week from the wedding and Andie is shocked when the court house says she is already married and can't get a marriage license. Now Andie is off to Oregon to try get a divorce before her fiance finds out.
Sweet Jesus, he's hung. That’s some kind of magic. The way he somehow fits that thing into those pants.
Mack:
I'm so in love with Mack. What is not to love? A sweet, sexy Cowboy with a rockin body and huge mini Mack!!! He was perfect. I swooned and drooled all over my kindle at the things he said OMG!!!!!!!
“I’m engaged.” “No, you’re not,” he growled into my neck. “You’re married. To me. We came first, not him.”
“With every thrust he gave me his response. “You. Are. My. Wife.” The last word came out as a growl."
"You're my wife," he said, only inches away, his hot breath flickering over my lips. "You married me in Las Vegas two years ago." "Yes." "And I'm your husband." I nodded, tears slipping out. He gritted his teeth and growled out, "And this is us, consummating our marriage."
"It's because you're too damn good looking." The second the words left my mouth I heard them and cringed inwardly. "Did I just say that out loud?"
Andie:
I really liked Andie. She was sweet, very serious, and clumsy as hell. She had some sass to her too. She was abused by her mom's boyfriend so she is trying hard to make a better life for herself. So much so that she has total tunnel vision when it comes to her life-plan. Andie made me laugh so hard because she was so awkward and klutzy, but she felt real to me and I was invested in her.
“What are you looking at?” I asked “City slicker. What are you looking at?" “A stupid wookie man-bear-pig who doesn’t know how to mind his own business.”
With him, I knew I could be myself. I could be confident and sexy and in control. I could dream of a life that didn’t involve a plan that had to be followed for the next ten years. I could forget where I came from and who I’d left behind to become the woman I was now
"We're going to have sex again, aren't we?" "He gave me a wicked smile. "Hell yes, we are."
“Once I saw you, I had no choice. I was done for good. You’re the last woman I ever want to be with.”
Mack and Andie have sizzling chemistry, and the sex in this book WOW talk about HOT! DAYUM!!!!! In this book there is two things that normally ruin books for me a love triangle (kinda) with Bradley and Mack and since Andie is married to one man and engaged to the other she was cheating on one of them "technically" but it didn't bother me at all. Not even a little, which is shocking to me, but it was written in a way that didn't upset me in the least. I love Mack's family they're all awesome. The story grabbed me and I couldn't put the book down. I loved everything about this book, but the Star of the book is Mack for me. Mack alone makes me want to give this book 6 stars. I can't wait to read Ian's story.
Below I leave my favorite moment from this book:
“I, Gavin MacKenzie, sexy cowboy man of Baker City, Oregon being of sound mind and hot body do hereby declare that I love you, Andie Marks, lawyer extraordinaire, and want to be married to you until I’m so old, I either die or my pecker falls off. I will have sex with you whenever you want, and I will always give you the option to be on top if that’s what will make you happy. Blowjobs will always be optional but appreciated. I will change diapers when called for, both for our children and for you when you’re old and decrepit. I will never spit in public or burp too loudly or say mean things about your friends. I promise never to raise my hand against you in anger or tell you that you’re useless or threaten to hurt people who you love. Ten-four, over and out, happily ever after. Those are my vows.”
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
*Some Spoilers*
“If you really, really want me to stop touching you, I will. I swear it But if you want me to keep touching you, all you have to do is say please, and it’ll be done. I’ll touch you all night. All you have to do is ask.”
OMG OMG OMG I love this Freakin book!!!!!! It is so damn good. OMG I am in yummy cowboy heaven. This is my first time reading a Elle Casey book, and I am now a total fan girl. This is such a funny, sexy, and sweet love story I was swooning all over the place. I was laughing so hard at times that my husband kept coming and reading over my shoulder and snickering himself.
“It was the best night of my life and not just because you kept calling me King Dong.” I laughed. I couldn't help it. "Oh, how far I've fallen."
What this book is about
Andrea "Andie" Marks has her whole life planned out for her. Marriage, making partner at her law firm, and have children by the time she is 35 years old. She has followed her lifeplan since she was 15 years old except for those 2 days in Vegas for her best friend's bachelorette party. All she remembers about that Vegas trip 2 years ago was getting super drunk and that she slept with a sexy cowboy and the next day he left without a word. Now Andie is engaged to get married to Bradley who fits into her life plan, even though she doesn't really like him and he doesn't treat her well. It's just one week from the wedding and Andie is shocked when the court house says she is already married and can't get a marriage license. Now Andie is off to Oregon to try get a divorce before her fiance finds out.
Sweet Jesus, he's hung. That’s some kind of magic. The way he somehow fits that thing into those pants.
Mack:
I'm so in love with Mack. What is not to love? A sweet, sexy Cowboy with a rockin body and huge mini Mack!!! He was perfect. I swooned and drooled all over my kindle at the things he said OMG!!!!!!!
“I’m engaged.” “No, you’re not,” he growled into my neck. “You’re married. To me. We came first, not him.”
“With every thrust he gave me his response. “You. Are. My. Wife.” The last word came out as a growl."
"You're my wife," he said, only inches away, his hot breath flickering over my lips. "You married me in Las Vegas two years ago." "Yes." "And I'm your husband." I nodded, tears slipping out. He gritted his teeth and growled out, "And this is us, consummating our marriage."
"It's because you're too damn good looking." The second the words left my mouth I heard them and cringed inwardly. "Did I just say that out loud?"
Andie:
I really liked Andie. She was sweet, very serious, and clumsy as hell. She had some sass to her too. She was abused by her mom's boyfriend so she is trying hard to make a better life for herself. So much so that she has total tunnel vision when it comes to her life-plan. Andie made me laugh so hard because she was so awkward and klutzy, but she felt real to me and I was invested in her.
“What are you looking at?” I asked “City slicker. What are you looking at?" “A stupid wookie man-bear-pig who doesn’t know how to mind his own business.”
With him, I knew I could be myself. I could be confident and sexy and in control. I could dream of a life that didn’t involve a plan that had to be followed for the next ten years. I could forget where I came from and who I’d left behind to become the woman I was now
"We're going to have sex again, aren't we?" "He gave me a wicked smile. "Hell yes, we are."
“Once I saw you, I had no choice. I was done for good. You’re the last woman I ever want to be with.”
Mack and Andie have sizzling chemistry, and the sex in this book WOW talk about HOT! DAYUM!!!!! In this book there is two things that normally ruin books for me a love triangle (kinda) with Bradley and Mack and since Andie is married to one man and engaged to the other she was cheating on one of them "technically" but it didn't bother me at all. Not even a little, which is shocking to me, but it was written in a way that didn't upset me in the least. I love Mack's family they're all awesome. The story grabbed me and I couldn't put the book down. I loved everything about this book, but the Star of the book is Mack for me. Mack alone makes me want to give this book 6 stars. I can't wait to read Ian's story.
Below I leave my favorite moment from this book:
“I, Gavin MacKenzie, sexy cowboy man of Baker City, Oregon being of sound mind and hot body do hereby declare that I love you, Andie Marks, lawyer extraordinaire, and want to be married to you until I’m so old, I either die or my pecker falls off. I will have sex with you whenever you want, and I will always give you the option to be on top if that’s what will make you happy. Blowjobs will always be optional but appreciated. I will change diapers when called for, both for our children and for you when you’re old and decrepit. I will never spit in public or burp too loudly or say mean things about your friends. I promise never to raise my hand against you in anger or tell you that you’re useless or threaten to hurt people who you love. Ten-four, over and out, happily ever after. Those are my vows.”
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
September 6, 2013
SQUEE!!! I loved this book and I fell in love with a cowboy! If you're looking for a book that'll make you happy, this is it! 4.5 stars!
"Why can't you just let me go?" …
"I can't let you go because you're mine."
All it took was the blurb for me to know that I wanted to read this book and from the first few pages I was hooked! It was a total escape from reality. The character made me fall in love, the romance made me swoon, and the witty writing kept me laughing and chuckling the whole way through. It was the perfect light-hearted, romantic read :)
The story follows Andie who has a life plan that is spelled out to the 't'. Said life plan is comprised of a husband, 2.5 kids, a solid career and a stable, predictable future. That being said, when she's dragged off to Vegas for her best friend's bachelorette party, her perfect life plan gets derailed by a gorgeous cowboy.
"I doubted at this point that I'd be able to string a coherent sentence together. His beauty combined with his slow-talking cowboy sexiness had completely robbed me of any intelligence."
Andie and Mack meet (none too gracefully I might add) when she unceremoniously (but accidentally) dumps her drink all over him at the black jack table. However, they hit it off - big time - connecting on all kinds of levels with crazy, undeniable chemistry.
My eyes widened... Sweet Jesus, he's hung. That's some kind of magic, the way he somehow fits that thing into those pants." ...
"No underwear," I said, still staring...
I couldn't think of anything else to say, save, 'My god, you have a huge cock'... but that didn't seem like the smoothest of moves, so I stuck with the basics.
A whirlwind and a half later after one hell of an incredible night, she wakes up in bed... alone. They had really connected on a deep level and honestly were just perfect for each other and yet, here she was waking up in bed alone with barely coherent memories and no way to contact him. So... life went on...
Two year later her cowboy was sadly forgotten and Andie was well on her way to realizing her life plan. Her job was going well and she all set to marry her fiancé who, despite being a douchebag, fit perfectly into her 'plan'. Everything was going swimmingly until she went to apply for a marriage license only to discover that she was already married...
"Says here in my system you married a man by the name of ... Gavin MacKenzie, on April tenth, two thousand and eleven... That name ring any bells? Gavin MacKenzie? What's that? Scottish?... Ma'am? Are you still there?"
Much to Andie's dismay (and my squee-worthy glee), she headed off to Oregon to traipse through the countryside tracking down her cowboy "husband" with all intentions of divorcing the poor dude.
What are the chances that I've stepped right off the plane into a pile of horse shit?
My first goal was to work up enough nerve to ask some of the most ridiculous questions I'd ever asked in my life. Here's how I pictured that conversation going:
Me: Do you know Gavin MacKenzie?
Country person: Who's askin'?
Me: His wife.
Country person: - vacant look - crickets -
Buuuuut, let's just say that his memories of their night together weren't quite as fuzzy as hers and he was not willing to let her go. Not this time! :D
"With every thrust, he gave me his response, "You. Are. My. Wife." The last word came out as a growl."
I loved Mack! Seriously, what a HOT cowboy. Hot and totally sweet! He was clearly just smitten with her and seeing how crazy he was for her made him all the more swoony. In Andie's words he was...
"Sexy. Handsome. Smart. Sexy. Magnetizing. Compelling. Muscles. Good family. Confident. Polite. Sexy."
I loved that he wasn't willing to let her go and just *knew* that they were perfect for each other. I also loved how in his stubborn cowboy way, he was willing to fight to get her to give them a chance right from the very beginning.
"I don't believe in divorce."
"I really need you to sign those papers."
"No." ...
"You don't love me, Mack."
"How do you know who I love and who I don't love?"
"It's not a second chance, Mack. It can't be."
He sat up next to me and pulled me to his side with his arm across my shoulders.
Touching his head to mine he spoke in a low voice.
"Yes, it can. We're still married. Why can't we just take a shot at making it work like a real marriage?" …
"We're going to have sex again, aren't we?"
"He gave me a wicked smile. "Hell yes, we are."
And then he lowered me to the ground."
I honestly just loved this book. It was quick, easy to read and just a delightful blend of everything happy. Really, it was exactly what I needed at the moment. My cheeks ached from grinning and I definitely squeed out loud a time or two.
Shine Not Burn was a witty, light-hearted, addictive romance that kept me chuckling, swooning and fanning myself from start to finish! It was escapism at it's best.
Andie and Mac's story is going to keep me smiling for a long time... all I'll need to think about is black jack and calf testicles but I'll let you read the book yourself to find out about those ;)
4.5 stars!
Casting (see above and below)
IT HAPPENED IN VEGAS.
I can't be held responsible. Things that happen there are supposed to stay there, right? Right? Yeeeah. Not so much.
Andie's just days away from tying the knot, but there's just ooooone little glitch. Apparently, she's already married. Or someone with her name is married to a guy out in Oregon of all places, and the courthouse won't issue her a marriage license until it's all cleared up. Tripping her way through cow pies and country songs to meet up with a man who gets around places on horseback is her very last idea of how to have a good time, but if she's going to get married, make partner at the firm, and have two point five kids before she's thirty-five, she needs to get to the bottom of this snafu and fix it quick ... before her fiance finds out and everything she's been working toward goes up in flames.
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July 20, 2016
Fun. Cute. Heartwarming. This was a great, light-hearted read. If you're looking for something sweet to read, this is a great choice.
Andie goes to Vegas with the girls for a friend's bachelorette party. After a few too many drinks and one night of steamy sex with a handsome stranger, she's on a plane headed back to her real life.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Right? Well, not always. Of course, Andie doesn't realize this until a couple of years later as she's getting ready to get married. Realization of her mistake on that drunken night has her boarding a plane to track down that handsome stranger, Mack, to make things right.
Arriving in Mack's hometown, Andie soon integrates herself into his life. She thinks this is going to be a quick and easy trip. However, Mack has different plans. He never forgot his night with Andie and he isn't keen on letting her go again.
From start to finish, this book was a good time. I listened to the Audible version and this story had me laughing and smiling the whole time. There was plenty of humorous banter and the characters were easy to relate to.
This was a great, heartwarming read. It was just a straightforward, sweet love story. It was predictable, but not too cheesy. Overall, a nice choice when you're looking for a cute, lighter read.
Andie goes to Vegas with the girls for a friend's bachelorette party. After a few too many drinks and one night of steamy sex with a handsome stranger, she's on a plane headed back to her real life.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Right? Well, not always. Of course, Andie doesn't realize this until a couple of years later as she's getting ready to get married. Realization of her mistake on that drunken night has her boarding a plane to track down that handsome stranger, Mack, to make things right.
Arriving in Mack's hometown, Andie soon integrates herself into his life. She thinks this is going to be a quick and easy trip. However, Mack has different plans. He never forgot his night with Andie and he isn't keen on letting her go again.
From start to finish, this book was a good time. I listened to the Audible version and this story had me laughing and smiling the whole time. There was plenty of humorous banter and the characters were easy to relate to.
This was a great, heartwarming read. It was just a straightforward, sweet love story. It was predictable, but not too cheesy. Overall, a nice choice when you're looking for a cute, lighter read.
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November 10, 2015
Shine Not Burn is book one in the Shine Not Burn series by Elle Casey. This is my very first book by Ms. Casey and I am in love. This book was perfection. I need many, many more stars than five to rate this book. It was perfect, sexy, hilarious, did I say sexy? There are plenty of more adjectives I could come up with to describe it’s perfection but let me just tell you about it instead.
Andie Marks’s life didn’t start out very well. With a childhood full of abandonment and abuse, she made a plan, a life plan, to get herself out of the situation she was in. She followed this plan to the letter and it has worked for her so far. Until she went to Las Vegas that is.
Andie’s best friend is getting married so the three of them went off to Las Vegas to celebrate their last time as single best friends. After quite a few cocktails, Andie met the hottest cowboy she has ever seen. Whether it was him or all the cocktails helping, Andie found herself rid of all her inhibitions that usually hold her down, and letting loose.
Flash forward two years, Andie is working 60 hour weeks at her law firm and is about to get married to a fellow lawyer. He is her perfect match in her lifeplan. The problem is, that the courthouse says she is already married, to a cowboy in Baker City, Oregon! So off Andie goes to a world of horses, cows, rattlesnakes and God knows what else, to get the cowboy to sign on the dotted line so she can get back to her lifeplan.
“This family was like a drug I could easily get addicted to.”
“Something about this place was messing with my head and making me forget what was important including the future I’d planned for myself.”
What Andie finds in Baker City is definitely not what she thought. Again, she is faced with the most handsome man she has ever seen. But it’s more than that. He has a home here with people that love him, that she could easily love. She feels like she can breathe for the first time in a very long time. And there is the cowboy, the sexy blue eyed man she just can’t seem to keep her hands off. But she has to go back. Her life is not here. Her lifeplan has to be kept in tact. Doesn’t it?
“The wind had blown me to Baker City, Oregon and by being here I’d found a place in the world where I could very possibly discover peace, for the first time in my life.”
Ok, my review might sound a little serious but really, this book is hilarious. Andie did have a lot to work through, but the way she did it had me rolling on the floor laughing. I don’t want to spoil anything so you just have to trust me on this. But when she and Mack are together, well, spontaneous combustion happens!
I was looking for a sexy cowboy book and my wonderful friend recommended this to me and I couldn’t be more thankful. I loved it. I more than loved it! Mack will fulfill any sexy cowboy fantasies you might have, rest assured. So will I go on and read book two in this series, MacKenzie Fire which is Ian, Mack’s brother’s story? Try and hold me back.
Andie Marks’s life didn’t start out very well. With a childhood full of abandonment and abuse, she made a plan, a life plan, to get herself out of the situation she was in. She followed this plan to the letter and it has worked for her so far. Until she went to Las Vegas that is.
Andie’s best friend is getting married so the three of them went off to Las Vegas to celebrate their last time as single best friends. After quite a few cocktails, Andie met the hottest cowboy she has ever seen. Whether it was him or all the cocktails helping, Andie found herself rid of all her inhibitions that usually hold her down, and letting loose.
Flash forward two years, Andie is working 60 hour weeks at her law firm and is about to get married to a fellow lawyer. He is her perfect match in her lifeplan. The problem is, that the courthouse says she is already married, to a cowboy in Baker City, Oregon! So off Andie goes to a world of horses, cows, rattlesnakes and God knows what else, to get the cowboy to sign on the dotted line so she can get back to her lifeplan.
“This family was like a drug I could easily get addicted to.”
“Something about this place was messing with my head and making me forget what was important including the future I’d planned for myself.”
What Andie finds in Baker City is definitely not what she thought. Again, she is faced with the most handsome man she has ever seen. But it’s more than that. He has a home here with people that love him, that she could easily love. She feels like she can breathe for the first time in a very long time. And there is the cowboy, the sexy blue eyed man she just can’t seem to keep her hands off. But she has to go back. Her life is not here. Her lifeplan has to be kept in tact. Doesn’t it?
“The wind had blown me to Baker City, Oregon and by being here I’d found a place in the world where I could very possibly discover peace, for the first time in my life.”
Ok, my review might sound a little serious but really, this book is hilarious. Andie did have a lot to work through, but the way she did it had me rolling on the floor laughing. I don’t want to spoil anything so you just have to trust me on this. But when she and Mack are together, well, spontaneous combustion happens!
I was looking for a sexy cowboy book and my wonderful friend recommended this to me and I couldn’t be more thankful. I loved it. I more than loved it! Mack will fulfill any sexy cowboy fantasies you might have, rest assured. So will I go on and read book two in this series, MacKenzie Fire which is Ian, Mack’s brother’s story? Try and hold me back.
July 26, 2015
Andie Marks is a good girl. She has a "life plan" and knows what she wants out of life. Kids by a certain age, making partner at her law firm, that perfect for her husband, she can have it all.
Then one of her best friends is getting married and her bachelor party is in Vegas. Andie doesn't really want to go because she knows her friends will go wild because "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."
"They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home. Know what I mean?"
She gets completely drunk and meets up with a drop dead gorgeous cowboy named Mack over a table playing BlackJack. They have some wild monkey sex and the next morning she heads back to her normal life.
Fast forward two years, Andie's life plan is on track. She is about to marry "That Bradley" who is a jerk and has alienated her from her friends but he fits into her plan so very well that whoohoo it's on. Then she finds out that something happened in Vegas that she didn't remember. Her and that Cowboy-they got married that night.
So she shows up at his Oregon ranch asking for a divorce.
I really liked this cowboy. Mack. But I didn't know a single thing about him other than the fact that he doesn't wear underwear and he's got a big cock-a-doodle-doo that he definitely knows how to use. Yee-Haw.
Mack doesn't want a divorce though.
So it comes down to a showdown at the family's annual picnic.
"That Bradley" shows up..
You get a chick fight..
Andie has started to question her whole "life plan" idea. Maybe living by Mack's family crest wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. "Shine not Burn"
This book is obviously very closely related to the movie "Sweet Home Alabama" but I loved that movie so I'm still a happy girl with it. It's funny as hell in spots and the lurrve triangle between Bradley and Mack didn't even get on my nerves. The sex was smoking hot without the use of the damn names for body parts that turn me off most contemporary romance books. This was perfection. At least to me.
Now I will say, I had this author on my don't read list because of a blog post that offended me. I'm not a bully but I have been called one several times before over books, it gets to me sometimes and I just avoid any chances of confrontation. Sometimes I just get tired of all the drama though and try to overlook it. That's why I read this book. The breach between authors and readers need to be closed and I'm very glad I did. It's really a book that I loved every second of and I'll read more books by Elle Casey. I may even one star one if I end up not liking it. Does that make me a bully? Nope. (I'm sure I'll get flagged for mentioning that but hell I get flagged for most everything I do on here.)
"Shine Not Burn" people. Life is too frigging short.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
Then one of her best friends is getting married and her bachelor party is in Vegas. Andie doesn't really want to go because she knows her friends will go wild because "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."
"They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home. Know what I mean?"
She gets completely drunk and meets up with a drop dead gorgeous cowboy named Mack over a table playing BlackJack. They have some wild monkey sex and the next morning she heads back to her normal life.
Fast forward two years, Andie's life plan is on track. She is about to marry "That Bradley" who is a jerk and has alienated her from her friends but he fits into her plan so very well that whoohoo it's on. Then she finds out that something happened in Vegas that she didn't remember. Her and that Cowboy-they got married that night.
So she shows up at his Oregon ranch asking for a divorce.
I really liked this cowboy. Mack. But I didn't know a single thing about him other than the fact that he doesn't wear underwear and he's got a big cock-a-doodle-doo that he definitely knows how to use. Yee-Haw.
Mack doesn't want a divorce though.
So it comes down to a showdown at the family's annual picnic.
"That Bradley" shows up..
You get a chick fight..
Andie has started to question her whole "life plan" idea. Maybe living by Mack's family crest wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. "Shine not Burn"
This book is obviously very closely related to the movie "Sweet Home Alabama" but I loved that movie so I'm still a happy girl with it. It's funny as hell in spots and the lurrve triangle between Bradley and Mack didn't even get on my nerves. The sex was smoking hot without the use of the damn names for body parts that turn me off most contemporary romance books. This was perfection. At least to me.
Now I will say, I had this author on my don't read list because of a blog post that offended me. I'm not a bully but I have been called one several times before over books, it gets to me sometimes and I just avoid any chances of confrontation. Sometimes I just get tired of all the drama though and try to overlook it. That's why I read this book. The breach between authors and readers need to be closed and I'm very glad I did. It's really a book that I loved every second of and I'll read more books by Elle Casey. I may even one star one if I end up not liking it. Does that make me a bully? Nope. (I'm sure I'll get flagged for mentioning that but hell I get flagged for most everything I do on here.)
"Shine Not Burn" people. Life is too frigging short.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
August 3, 2013
4.5 COWBOY STARS
"Be still my heart," I said, talking to no one, to the wind, to the goddess of love who I was pretty sure had just shot an arrow into my chest cavity." ...
My heart just melted reading this book. I've been missing out on my sweet reads lately so when this book was recommended to me, I had the feeling that 'shine not burn' was going to be just what I needed to fall in love, sit back and enjoy and yes, it delivered on all counts for me, sweet, easy and sexy.
What's it all about?
Andrea 'Andie' Marks has an organised life to the extreme, her life plan is firmly in place leaving no room for error or distraction. Andie has worked all her adult life seeking order and in turn landing herself in some dubious relationships. A trip with the girls to Las Vegas throws Gavin 'Mack' Mackenzie into her life and here's where things get messy ... Alcohol, lust and an extremely tempting cowboy leads to a very Las Vegas style problem, a problem that comes back to bite Andie on the bottom when she is set to marry her very 'life plan list friendly' boyfriend. A trip to the country follows to rectify the mistake and Andie is forced to look at her life, her heart and what she really wants.
Meet the characters ...
Andrea Marks, oh dear what mistakes this intelligent, career driven 'twenty-something' makes. Her flighty mother and car wreck relationships have taught Andie a few bad life lessons about the type of man she wants to pursue, so Andie ends up picking the worst candidates for boyfriends and leading herself down some very unhappy paths. I couldn't figure out whether to be annoyed at this character or empathise. Andie is a smart, intelligent, resourceful woman trouble is she repeatedly fails on the friendship and relationship front, but I found myself warming to her failures, and actually cheering for the life plan to be thrown out the window and for this controlled city chick to find love in the country.
Gavin 'Mack' Mackenzie is a dreamy hero complete with sexy one liners and a cowboy hat. His mysterious strong silent type ways were a big hit for me. I've not read a romance with a cowboy as the hero before but something tells me this won't be the last. Mack is a family player his love for his country ranch and life is heart warming. You won't find a sweeter male character anywhere but don't be fooled this hero knows what he wants. I fell right for his charms and I have definitely now got a bit of a crush on the cowboy theme.
What I loved ...
I have already mentioned I was hooked on the country cowboy theme I was completely sold by the storyline and sweet nature of this book. I also found myself laughing and cringing along with the characters exploits, the conversations and situations Andie had with her friends and Mack went from sweet to funny to outright cringe worthy and I loved every minute. The author really did bring the perfect blend of sexy, sweet and funny with a little bit of annoying served on the side to keep things interesting. The characters and quick pace of the book kept me well entertained and I couldn't help but fall for the enjoyable nature of 'Shine not burn'.
Final thoughts ...
A sweet book that doesn't require to much thought or brain power. If you like cowboys and romance and you don't mind battling it out with an ever so slightly annoying heroine then you have nothing to loose ... Jump right in, enjoy.
SORRY ... Did I hear you say you needed a little extra cowboy visual? ... Oh go on then, if I must *wink*
"Be still my heart," I said, talking to no one, to the wind, to the goddess of love who I was pretty sure had just shot an arrow into my chest cavity." ...
My heart just melted reading this book. I've been missing out on my sweet reads lately so when this book was recommended to me, I had the feeling that 'shine not burn' was going to be just what I needed to fall in love, sit back and enjoy and yes, it delivered on all counts for me, sweet, easy and sexy.
What's it all about?
Andrea 'Andie' Marks has an organised life to the extreme, her life plan is firmly in place leaving no room for error or distraction. Andie has worked all her adult life seeking order and in turn landing herself in some dubious relationships. A trip with the girls to Las Vegas throws Gavin 'Mack' Mackenzie into her life and here's where things get messy ... Alcohol, lust and an extremely tempting cowboy leads to a very Las Vegas style problem, a problem that comes back to bite Andie on the bottom when she is set to marry her very 'life plan list friendly' boyfriend. A trip to the country follows to rectify the mistake and Andie is forced to look at her life, her heart and what she really wants.
Meet the characters ...
Andrea Marks, oh dear what mistakes this intelligent, career driven 'twenty-something' makes. Her flighty mother and car wreck relationships have taught Andie a few bad life lessons about the type of man she wants to pursue, so Andie ends up picking the worst candidates for boyfriends and leading herself down some very unhappy paths. I couldn't figure out whether to be annoyed at this character or empathise. Andie is a smart, intelligent, resourceful woman trouble is she repeatedly fails on the friendship and relationship front, but I found myself warming to her failures, and actually cheering for the life plan to be thrown out the window and for this controlled city chick to find love in the country.
Gavin 'Mack' Mackenzie is a dreamy hero complete with sexy one liners and a cowboy hat. His mysterious strong silent type ways were a big hit for me. I've not read a romance with a cowboy as the hero before but something tells me this won't be the last. Mack is a family player his love for his country ranch and life is heart warming. You won't find a sweeter male character anywhere but don't be fooled this hero knows what he wants. I fell right for his charms and I have definitely now got a bit of a crush on the cowboy theme.
What I loved ...
I have already mentioned I was hooked on the country cowboy theme I was completely sold by the storyline and sweet nature of this book. I also found myself laughing and cringing along with the characters exploits, the conversations and situations Andie had with her friends and Mack went from sweet to funny to outright cringe worthy and I loved every minute. The author really did bring the perfect blend of sexy, sweet and funny with a little bit of annoying served on the side to keep things interesting. The characters and quick pace of the book kept me well entertained and I couldn't help but fall for the enjoyable nature of 'Shine not burn'.
Final thoughts ...
A sweet book that doesn't require to much thought or brain power. If you like cowboys and romance and you don't mind battling it out with an ever so slightly annoying heroine then you have nothing to loose ... Jump right in, enjoy.
SORRY ... Did I hear you say you needed a little extra cowboy visual? ... Oh go on then, if I must *wink*
July 9, 2013
4.5 Shining Stars!
Looking for a LOL funny, sweet, sexy, light and swoony read? Look no further... you’ve found it!
Andrea- aka Andie- has a ‘life plan’. She has it all figured out.
But one weekend to Vegas with her best friends changes everything... and she doesn’t even know it for two years...
Twenty five year old Andie just got dumped... via text message on her way to Vegas.
Her ex was a tool. Andie’s never had great luck with men. She is looking to have a good time for once. With her hilarious bff’s Kelly and Candice by her side, she is ready to let lose. After spilling a drink on a sexy cowboy, her luck changes. After many drinks, some gambling and heavy flirting, she takes cowboy back to her room. Cowboy- aka Mack- is almost as serious as Andie. He works hard at his family’s ranch. Doesn’t let loose much. But when he see’s Andie at his brother bachelor party, he knows somethings different about her. I loved the first time the two of them were together. Not only was it freaking hot, but I may have swooned a bit!
Mack and Andie spend the night talking, getting to know one another. They tell each other all about their lives and family. Andie is surprised with how much she and Mack hit it off. She doesn’t know everything about him, but she loves what she knows.
When Andie wakes up the next morning, she doesn’t remember much. She has the worst hangover ever. Her phone gets dropped in the toilet, and Mack has already left the hotel room.
Fast forward 2 years later...
Andie is on track with her lifeplan, getting ready to marry the company douchebag, Bradley. She has alienated her friends. The only thing she cares about is that her plan is on track. Bradley has the same goals as she does. There is one BIG PROBLEM when she goes to pick up the marriage license... she finds that she is already married. To a Gavin Mackenzie. Apparently two years ago, she got hitched in Vegas to Mack. She has to find him, get the marriage annulled before anyone finds out. Andie goes crosscountry to Mack’s ranch.
Oh Mack... sweet baby Jesus I love that cowboy! Andie describes him best-
Sexy. Handsome. Smart. Sexy. Magnetizing. Compelling. Muscles. Good family. Confident. Polite. Sexy.
Andie meets Mack’s family, and she feels that same spark she felt with him years ago. She needs to find out what happened between them, to get him to sign the papers and be on her way. He is not about to make that easy on her...
After spending a few days with Mack and his family, Andie has to make some tough desicions, re-evaluate her entire life and ‘lifeplan’. She’s not sure she can give this cowboy up a second time around, but it would never work. It’s not part of her plan. But sometimes, you have to let go of your plans to find something much better than you’ve ever imagined...
Wow! This book sort of came out of nowhere for me- but I loved it! Such a fun read. All kinds of sweet, sexy, and hilarious! I LOL’d several times, swooned over Mack the entire time... this is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last! Pick this one up if you’re looking for a light, fun read!
Looking for a LOL funny, sweet, sexy, light and swoony read? Look no further... you’ve found it!
Andrea- aka Andie- has a ‘life plan’. She has it all figured out.
Life plan, the document that laid out the route that would lead me to my goals: independence, safety, and financial success.
But one weekend to Vegas with her best friends changes everything... and she doesn’t even know it for two years...
Twenty five year old Andie just got dumped... via text message on her way to Vegas.
‘Oh my pink granny panties, did he actually just send this to you in a text? What a total douchbag McGee.’
Her ex was a tool. Andie’s never had great luck with men. She is looking to have a good time for once. With her hilarious bff’s Kelly and Candice by her side, she is ready to let lose. After spilling a drink on a sexy cowboy, her luck changes. After many drinks, some gambling and heavy flirting, she takes cowboy back to her room. Cowboy- aka Mack- is almost as serious as Andie. He works hard at his family’s ranch. Doesn’t let loose much. But when he see’s Andie at his brother bachelor party, he knows somethings different about her. I loved the first time the two of them were together. Not only was it freaking hot, but I may have swooned a bit!
“Wow. Talk about getting lucky. The blackjack table was nothing compared to this.”
Mack and Andie spend the night talking, getting to know one another. They tell each other all about their lives and family. Andie is surprised with how much she and Mack hit it off. She doesn’t know everything about him, but she loves what she knows.
I really liked this cowboy. Mack. But I didn’t know a single thing about him other than the fact he doesn’t wear underwear and he’s got a big cock-a-doodle doo that he definitely knows how to use. Yee haw.
When Andie wakes up the next morning, she doesn’t remember much. She has the worst hangover ever. Her phone gets dropped in the toilet, and Mack has already left the hotel room.
Fast forward 2 years later...
Andie is on track with her lifeplan, getting ready to marry the company douchebag, Bradley. She has alienated her friends. The only thing she cares about is that her plan is on track. Bradley has the same goals as she does. There is one BIG PROBLEM when she goes to pick up the marriage license... she finds that she is already married. To a Gavin Mackenzie. Apparently two years ago, she got hitched in Vegas to Mack. She has to find him, get the marriage annulled before anyone finds out. Andie goes crosscountry to Mack’s ranch.
Oh Mack... sweet baby Jesus I love that cowboy! Andie describes him best-
Sexy. Handsome. Smart. Sexy. Magnetizing. Compelling. Muscles. Good family. Confident. Polite. Sexy.
Andie meets Mack’s family, and she feels that same spark she felt with him years ago. She needs to find out what happened between them, to get him to sign the papers and be on her way. He is not about to make that easy on her...
I can’t let you go because you’re mine. And because I can’t stand to see you sad. I’m going to fix that.
After spending a few days with Mack and his family, Andie has to make some tough desicions, re-evaluate her entire life and ‘lifeplan’. She’s not sure she can give this cowboy up a second time around, but it would never work. It’s not part of her plan. But sometimes, you have to let go of your plans to find something much better than you’ve ever imagined...
Sometimes, we just have to go where the wind takes us and see where we end up.
Wow! This book sort of came out of nowhere for me- but I loved it! Such a fun read. All kinds of sweet, sexy, and hilarious! I LOL’d several times, swooned over Mack the entire time... this is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last! Pick this one up if you’re looking for a light, fun read!
Luceo non uro means I shine, not burn. To me, though, it means that I have a choice. I need to balance the bad with the good, make sure to avoid the things that could burn or scar me but get close enough to the heat that I feel life and really experience it.
August 6, 2015
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 HUGE Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 5 Stars
Humor Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Stars
I REALLY enjoyed reading Shine Not Burn it was a very funny, sexy and such an entertaining read.
The humor from page one was off the charts funny, I swear I almost pissed myself I was laughing so hard.
The story-line had a good pace and kept my interest the whole time I was reading.
My favorite character was Mack. He was truly sigh worthy and so very SEXY! I LOVED everything about him, especially the way he would look into Andie’s eyes, the way he treated Andie with such care, his honesty, his loyalty and the way he did not give up no matter what added so much to his appeal.
I liked Andie too. She is the one that added most of the humor into this read. Some of the things she said and done were priceless. I have to admit, I wanted to hit her upsides her head a time or two. She kept fighting her true feelings about Mack and that drove me crazy.
There were also some fantastic secondary characters to round off this amazing read.
The heat level was really good, the sex scenes sexy, hot and sensual. Mack sure knew how to pleasure a woman, just another thing I loved about him and this book.
In the end, I was treated to a wonderful epilogue leaving me completely happy with the way things finally turned out.
I’m looking forwards to reading Mack’s brother Ian’s and Andie’s best friend Candice’s story, MacKenzie Fire in the very near future.
If you’re looking for a wonderful story with loads of humor, just the right amount of heat, that will make you laugh, sigh and smile, then I say give it a try.
Hero Rating ~ 5 HUGE Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 5 Stars
Humor Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Stars
I REALLY enjoyed reading Shine Not Burn it was a very funny, sexy and such an entertaining read.
The humor from page one was off the charts funny, I swear I almost pissed myself I was laughing so hard.
The story-line had a good pace and kept my interest the whole time I was reading.
My favorite character was Mack. He was truly sigh worthy and so very SEXY! I LOVED everything about him, especially the way he would look into Andie’s eyes, the way he treated Andie with such care, his honesty, his loyalty and the way he did not give up no matter what added so much to his appeal.
I liked Andie too. She is the one that added most of the humor into this read. Some of the things she said and done were priceless. I have to admit, I wanted to hit her upsides her head a time or two. She kept fighting her true feelings about Mack and that drove me crazy.
There were also some fantastic secondary characters to round off this amazing read.
The heat level was really good, the sex scenes sexy, hot and sensual. Mack sure knew how to pleasure a woman, just another thing I loved about him and this book.
In the end, I was treated to a wonderful epilogue leaving me completely happy with the way things finally turned out.
I’m looking forwards to reading Mack’s brother Ian’s and Andie’s best friend Candice’s story, MacKenzie Fire in the very near future.
If you’re looking for a wonderful story with loads of humor, just the right amount of heat, that will make you laugh, sigh and smile, then I say give it a try.
June 30, 2017
"They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home."
3.5 Stars
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but that's not the case for Andie Marks because just when she was about to get married to her fiancé, she was notified that she's not allowed to wed someone because she's already married to the sexy cowboy named Mack whom she met and had a one-night-stand with two years ago in Las Vegas.
Ooops. I really loved the premise of this book. It also started funny which absolutely sold me. To add icing to the cake, Mack is one hot specimen. A rare specimen.
If only the heroine, Andie, was not annoying, I would have enjoyed it even more and might have given the book 4 stars. But the woman was so self-centered, whiny, and a bit of a brat which really irked me most of the time. Good thing Mack was so perfect and there were lots of funny and hot scenes and oh, the settings-- Las Vegas and Baker City, Oregon were also beautifully described.
It's my first time to read an Elle Casey book and I really loved her witty writing and her great sense of humor. Plus, she gave the side characters complex traits and personalities.
Favorite part of the book:
The vows. Really laughed out loud with this! :'D
Overall, Shine Not Burn was a fun, lighthearted, sexy romance book that will leave you laughing. It's a great book to take your stress away for a while. :)
August 10, 2016
4.5 sexy stars
If you want a good laugh and a good story, look no further.
I really enjoyed this one. Some real LOL moments. Loved the two main characters.
They meet in Vegas, she is there with the girls and he is there with the guys.
The part at the beginning when she was learning to play Blackjack. So funny.
Instant attraction, what’s a guy and gal to do… have a few drinks and get down to business of course.
I am really looking forward to the second book in this series. I hope it is as good as the first.
She is a city girl, he is a country guy.
Loved his family two and the secondary characters.
If you want a good laugh and a good story, look no further.
I really enjoyed this one. Some real LOL moments. Loved the two main characters.
"Luceo non uro means I shine, not burn. To me, though, it means that I have a choice. I need to balance the bad with the good, make sure to avoid the things that could burn or scar me but get close enough to the heat that I feel life and really experience it. Until I met you, I'd never really embraced that idea. I walked around my life just being there, but not really feeling it or being actively involved in making it worthwhile. Then there was you, and suddenly it all made sense. I grabbed onto what Fortune was offering me that night ..."
They meet in Vegas, she is there with the girls and he is there with the guys.
Jeans, dress shirt, cowboy hat, five o’clock shodow beard, muscles visible just below his rolled up cuffs, bronzed like he spent most of the day outside.
The part at the beginning when she was learning to play Blackjack. So funny.
”Uhhh … yeah. Are you okay?” I looked down at his crotch. “Did you take care of yourself in the bathroom okay?”
Instant attraction, what’s a guy and gal to do… have a few drinks and get down to business of course.
I really liked this cowboy. Mack. But I didn't know a single thing about him other than the fact that he doesn't wear underwear and he's got a big cock-a-doodle doo that he definitely knows how to use. Yee haw.”
“Life's too short to settle for second best”
”Don’t you have cows to de-testicle?”
I am really looking forward to the second book in this series. I hope it is as good as the first.
”The body of a real honest-to-God woman.”
I guess there’s a benefit to dating a bunch of selfish losers … it sure teaches a girl how to give a good blowjob.
She is a city girl, he is a country guy.
"… right now I want do two things with you but I can’t decide which one to do first."
"What? Anal sex?"
He laughed loud and long.
Sexy. Handsome. Smart. Sexy. Magnetizing. Compelling. Muscles. Good family. Confident. Polite. Sexy
Loved his family two and the secondary characters.
July 30, 2015
4 **hilarious** STARS
If you are in the mood for a delicious cowboy... If you have a bad day and need some belly laughs.... If you want to escape the world for a while and get drunk in Vegas.... If you want to go horseback riding and then do some more riding with/the cowboy...look no further!
This is your book! Period.
No seriously. Shine Not Burn is an escapism buscuit. It's fun, light, at times thoughtful and really sweet. It's a standalone contemporary romance, but also the first book in a two book series that will expand on Andie's friend and Mack’s brother.
Let's talk story...
Andie, successful lawyer, in control of her life and very good friend to her girl posse, has met the most amazing man. He is handsome, strong and just all around perfect with the whole cowboy thing he has going on. Problem is, the first time she lays eyes on him she is already half drunk, attending her best friend’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas and on top of that he does not, I repeat - DOES NOT- fit into her life plan. Not at all.
Regardless, they play blackjack, hook up and she pretty much doesn't remember anything after that...
You know, typical weekend in Vegas!
Cut to two years later. Andie is set to be married to one of her lawyer co-worker, the one who fits her life plan. There is just one minor thing to take care of. Figure out why the state of Nevada is under the impression that she is already married.
Must be a mistake, right?
More hilariousness ensues.
Being inside Andie's head was highly entertaining, she is a three dimensional character with a past that very much influences her present and her struggle to start living the life she actually wants is very well done.
Mack is amazing. He is a stoic kind of guy. Talks little, but his actions speak volumes. He is very determined and when he wants something he sure knows how to get it.
Shine Not Burn is the love child of The Hangover and Sweet Home Alabama. Absolutely hilarious and heartwarming and my face was seriously hurting from laughing so much. The only things I have to point out are the second hand embarrassment and the rushed ending. Quirky heroines usually have the problem of foot in mouth syndrome and this one is no exception. I do cringe occasionally when that happens and I just wanted to point it out.
The second thing, a rushed ending. It’s just a personal thing. By the time we got to the finish line I was so invested in the characters and I just wish there was a little more. That’s all. But I’m already reading the second book and Mack and Andie play a very prominent role in that one as well, so all is good in the end. ;)
All in all, a very enjoyable read, a good laugh and a sweet story. Also, cowboys!
**ARC very kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Come on, wife. Come take a little ride with me. Let me show you all the things you'll be missing when you go back East and leave me here with a broken heart.”
If you are in the mood for a delicious cowboy... If you have a bad day and need some belly laughs.... If you want to escape the world for a while and get drunk in Vegas.... If you want to go horseback riding and then do some more riding with/the cowboy...look no further!
This is your book! Period.
No seriously. Shine Not Burn is an escapism buscuit. It's fun, light, at times thoughtful and really sweet. It's a standalone contemporary romance, but also the first book in a two book series that will expand on Andie's friend and Mack’s brother.
Let's talk story...
“I really liked this cowboy. Mack. But I didn't know a single thing about him other than the fact that he doesn't wear underwear and he's got a big cock-a-doodle doo that he definitely knows how to use. Yee-haw.”
Andie, successful lawyer, in control of her life and very good friend to her girl posse, has met the most amazing man. He is handsome, strong and just all around perfect with the whole cowboy thing he has going on. Problem is, the first time she lays eyes on him she is already half drunk, attending her best friend’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas and on top of that he does not, I repeat - DOES NOT- fit into her life plan. Not at all.
Regardless, they play blackjack, hook up and she pretty much doesn't remember anything after that...
You know, typical weekend in Vegas!
Cut to two years later. Andie is set to be married to one of her lawyer co-worker, the one who fits her life plan. There is just one minor thing to take care of. Figure out why the state of Nevada is under the impression that she is already married.
Must be a mistake, right?
“They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home. Know what I mean?”
More hilariousness ensues.
Being inside Andie's head was highly entertaining, she is a three dimensional character with a past that very much influences her present and her struggle to start living the life she actually wants is very well done.
Mack is amazing. He is a stoic kind of guy. Talks little, but his actions speak volumes. He is very determined and when he wants something he sure knows how to get it.
“Love is what it is, and love does what it does to survive. It’s an instinct.”
Shine Not Burn is the love child of The Hangover and Sweet Home Alabama. Absolutely hilarious and heartwarming and my face was seriously hurting from laughing so much. The only things I have to point out are the second hand embarrassment and the rushed ending. Quirky heroines usually have the problem of foot in mouth syndrome and this one is no exception. I do cringe occasionally when that happens and I just wanted to point it out.
The second thing, a rushed ending. It’s just a personal thing. By the time we got to the finish line I was so invested in the characters and I just wish there was a little more. That’s all. But I’m already reading the second book and Mack and Andie play a very prominent role in that one as well, so all is good in the end. ;)
All in all, a very enjoyable read, a good laugh and a sweet story. Also, cowboys!
**ARC very kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2013
4 Cowboy Stars!!
This one of those books that came completely by surprise. I even never heard of it and suddenly I’ve read a great friend review and I gave it a try.
Well, thank God for friend’s reviews, this was awesome!!
So, this books starts in Las Vegas. In one of her best-friends bachelorette party and is recently out of a relationship with a shitty boyfriend so she does what every girl in her situation does: drink. And then some more. And drink just a little more. And a little more just to finish the night.
And between all this drink she meets a sexy (Oh so sexy!) cowboy and things get hot and well…
Of course she doesn’t remember almost anything of what happened that night, except that she had hot sex with an even hotter guy and she goes home again and life moves on.
Two years later she is engaged with an even worst guy than the previous ex-boyfriend when she finds out that she is, well, married.
I guess what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas!
So she goes there to get a divorce but when she sees him again, she starts to remember why she ended up marrying him in first place and when she finds out that he knew exactly what he was doing that nigh… well, let me just say that this is the point where the story starts to get REALLY good.
Although it felt a little forced and rushed in some moments (ergo, the only 4 starts rating), I really liked this book.
Its writing is addictive, has extremely likeable characters and although the slightly predictable story line, it was an awesome reading. Not to mention the really hot moments.
You definitely should try it ;)
This one of those books that came completely by surprise. I even never heard of it and suddenly I’ve read a great friend review and I gave it a try.
Well, thank God for friend’s reviews, this was awesome!!
So, this books starts in Las Vegas. In one of her best-friends bachelorette party and is recently out of a relationship with a shitty boyfriend so she does what every girl in her situation does: drink. And then some more. And drink just a little more. And a little more just to finish the night.
And between all this drink she meets a sexy (Oh so sexy!) cowboy and things get hot and well…
Of course she doesn’t remember almost anything of what happened that night, except that she had hot sex with an even hotter guy and she goes home again and life moves on.
Two years later she is engaged with an even worst guy than the previous ex-boyfriend when she finds out that she is, well, married.
I guess what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas!
So she goes there to get a divorce but when she sees him again, she starts to remember why she ended up marrying him in first place and when she finds out that he knew exactly what he was doing that nigh… well, let me just say that this is the point where the story starts to get REALLY good.
Although it felt a little forced and rushed in some moments (ergo, the only 4 starts rating), I really liked this book.
Its writing is addictive, has extremely likeable characters and although the slightly predictable story line, it was an awesome reading. Not to mention the really hot moments.
You definitely should try it ;)
July 10, 2013
For more review and author interview, visit Jacqueline’s Reads
6 Shining and Spoiler Free Stars!!!!
Shine Not Burn will have you shinning from head to toe with pure joy, excitement, smiles and belly filled of laugher. You do not need to think about your next read because Shine Not Burn NEEDS to be it … like NOW!
All I wanted was one night of reckless abandon so I could get all this craziness out of my system and go home with a clean slate, ready to kick ass, take names, and get on with my life.
[Intro]
Andrea (Andie) has her life planned out for her. She calls it “Andie’s Life Plan”, which involves making junior partner, getting married and having 2.5 kids. BUT for just one night, she goes against better judgment and takes a trip to Las Vegas with her girlfriends, where she meets Mack. Mack is sexy, swoon-worthly-panty-dropping -country cowboy who happens to be very intrigued with city slick Andie when they meet.
Oh GOD WHERE DO I BEGIN?!
[Andie + Mack]
I LOVED Andie. I thought she was Fantastic. Witty. Funny. Adorable. and Lovable. I want to be best friends with Andie, heck I want to be Andie! Andie is your typical goal-oriented city lawyer. She wants to be successful and have the typical life she has been planning since she was little, despite her friend’s wishes and pleas to get her to become looser.
Mack…OH.MY. Let me just say this, yes I am from Texas, yes husband is southern and actually grew up on a farm, BUT I never really had a cowboy thing. But sheesh, after reading Shine Not Burn, I’m making husband but on his Levis and cowboy boots. I LOVED Mack. He will be your next book boyfriend. He is so freaking sweet, yet strong, aggressive, dominate and very smart. … oh and he’s lickable too.
Sexy. Handsome. Smart. Sexy. Magnetizing. Compelling. Muscles. Good family. Confident. Polite. Sexy
[Overall]
When Andie goes to Las Vegas and meets Mack, Oh god, if there was ever a meet-cute, they had it. She doesn’t wear heels, but her friends make her wear five inch stilettos and the poor girl trips, spills her drink on Mack. Sure, that’s cute right? So Andie is mortified and starts to wipe Mack’s pants, but he starts to get excited… you know that kind. Oh come on, isn’t that funny?! I found it freaking hilarious.
I could rip his clothes off and be wild and crazy slut. I was so ready to be a prostitute right now. Twelve hundred bucks was definitely going to buy him a blow job.
Andie and Mack both have a grand-o time in Vegas and the next day, they both part ways. Its two years later and Andie is planning her wedding with now fiancé Bradley but she gets a call from the court house, saying that she is already married…. to Mack. **GASP**
Andie goes to the country and tries to convince Mack to sign the divorce papers, but not being in her own element and Mack’s family can be a little bit distracting, makes it difficult for Andie to achieve her goal.
The whole read is just hilarious, I can’t express to you how funny it is. The jokes that come out of Andie’s mouth are top notch, you just want to write them down and re-quote them (which I did).
I was like a dog getting distracted by a small animal running by. Squirrel! Fine ass!
I had zero fear of Mack being the wrong kind of guy to invite up to my room. He totally didn’t come off as rapist material. Me, on the other hand, I wasn’t so sure about.
I one-hundred percent LOVED LOVED LOVED every single side character. From man-bear-pig/wookie, to lovable Mack’s Mom and don’t even get me started on Andie’s best friend Candice! If I can’t be Andie, I would gladly be Candice.
I lost my brain about an hour and three margaritas ago.
You’re going with your heart and you vagina instead of your head for a change!
Oh and the title reference! If you know me, I ALWAYS look for the title reference and when you get to it in Shine Not Burn, you are like Shit, that Elle Casey is a fucking genius!
It feels like shinning to me, not burning
And do not be fooled by all the humor, Shine Not Burn is steamy! I know, how can a read have everything? Well, it simply just does.
Shine Not Burn has a perfect Herione and Hero, wonderful side-characters, witty story line and one-of- kind dialogue with just the right amount of steam. If you are looking for that light-hearted, fun-filled, laughable read, then Shine Not Burn is it. You will (as I have) “laugh out loud” many many many many times.
He swung so easily between strong, sexy cowboy and soft-hearted lover boy, he was making me dizzy with it. Maybe even a little love-drunk
Dumbass jerk butthead cowboy redneck sexy person. God, why does he have to be so sexy
He likes me! A lot! He really likes me! And he’s hung like a horse!
[Rating]
6 Stars times a million
Shine Not Burn is Simply Perfection by ten folds times infinity.
Spoiler Quotes that made me SWOON
Thank you Elle for allowing me to read this. I have never laughed, smiled and been so happy as I was reading Shine Not Burn!!!
Thanks Chelcie for reading it with me and responding to all of my crazy text quotes. BOOK BEST FRIEND! <3
An ARC was provided from the author in exchange for an honest review
For more review and author interview, visit Jacqueline’s Reads
6 Shining and Spoiler Free Stars!!!!
Shine Not Burn will have you shinning from head to toe with pure joy, excitement, smiles and belly filled of laugher. You do not need to think about your next read because Shine Not Burn NEEDS to be it … like NOW!
All I wanted was one night of reckless abandon so I could get all this craziness out of my system and go home with a clean slate, ready to kick ass, take names, and get on with my life.
[Intro]
Andrea (Andie) has her life planned out for her. She calls it “Andie’s Life Plan”, which involves making junior partner, getting married and having 2.5 kids. BUT for just one night, she goes against better judgment and takes a trip to Las Vegas with her girlfriends, where she meets Mack. Mack is sexy, swoon-worthly-panty-dropping -country cowboy who happens to be very intrigued with city slick Andie when they meet.
Oh GOD WHERE DO I BEGIN?!
[Andie + Mack]
I LOVED Andie. I thought she was Fantastic. Witty. Funny. Adorable. and Lovable. I want to be best friends with Andie, heck I want to be Andie! Andie is your typical goal-oriented city lawyer. She wants to be successful and have the typical life she has been planning since she was little, despite her friend’s wishes and pleas to get her to become looser.
Mack…OH.MY. Let me just say this, yes I am from Texas, yes husband is southern and actually grew up on a farm, BUT I never really had a cowboy thing. But sheesh, after reading Shine Not Burn, I’m making husband but on his Levis and cowboy boots. I LOVED Mack. He will be your next book boyfriend. He is so freaking sweet, yet strong, aggressive, dominate and very smart. … oh and he’s lickable too.
Sexy. Handsome. Smart. Sexy. Magnetizing. Compelling. Muscles. Good family. Confident. Polite. Sexy
[Overall]
When Andie goes to Las Vegas and meets Mack, Oh god, if there was ever a meet-cute, they had it. She doesn’t wear heels, but her friends make her wear five inch stilettos and the poor girl trips, spills her drink on Mack. Sure, that’s cute right? So Andie is mortified and starts to wipe Mack’s pants, but he starts to get excited… you know that kind. Oh come on, isn’t that funny?! I found it freaking hilarious.
I could rip his clothes off and be wild and crazy slut. I was so ready to be a prostitute right now. Twelve hundred bucks was definitely going to buy him a blow job.
Andie and Mack both have a grand-o time in Vegas and the next day, they both part ways. Its two years later and Andie is planning her wedding with now fiancé Bradley but she gets a call from the court house, saying that she is already married…. to Mack. **GASP**
Andie goes to the country and tries to convince Mack to sign the divorce papers, but not being in her own element and Mack’s family can be a little bit distracting, makes it difficult for Andie to achieve her goal.
The whole read is just hilarious, I can’t express to you how funny it is. The jokes that come out of Andie’s mouth are top notch, you just want to write them down and re-quote them (which I did).
I was like a dog getting distracted by a small animal running by. Squirrel! Fine ass!
I had zero fear of Mack being the wrong kind of guy to invite up to my room. He totally didn’t come off as rapist material. Me, on the other hand, I wasn’t so sure about.
I one-hundred percent LOVED LOVED LOVED every single side character. From man-bear-pig/wookie, to lovable Mack’s Mom and don’t even get me started on Andie’s best friend Candice! If I can’t be Andie, I would gladly be Candice.
I lost my brain about an hour and three margaritas ago.
You’re going with your heart and you vagina instead of your head for a change!
Oh and the title reference! If you know me, I ALWAYS look for the title reference and when you get to it in Shine Not Burn, you are like Shit, that Elle Casey is a fucking genius!
It feels like shinning to me, not burning
And do not be fooled by all the humor, Shine Not Burn is steamy! I know, how can a read have everything? Well, it simply just does.
Shine Not Burn has a perfect Herione and Hero, wonderful side-characters, witty story line and one-of- kind dialogue with just the right amount of steam. If you are looking for that light-hearted, fun-filled, laughable read, then Shine Not Burn is it. You will (as I have) “laugh out loud” many many many many times.
He swung so easily between strong, sexy cowboy and soft-hearted lover boy, he was making me dizzy with it. Maybe even a little love-drunk
Dumbass jerk butthead cowboy redneck sexy person. God, why does he have to be so sexy
He likes me! A lot! He really likes me! And he’s hung like a horse!
[Rating]
6 Stars times a million
Shine Not Burn is Simply Perfection by ten folds times infinity.
Spoiler Quotes that made me SWOON
Thank you Elle for allowing me to read this. I have never laughed, smiled and been so happy as I was reading Shine Not Burn!!!
Thanks Chelcie for reading it with me and responding to all of my crazy text quotes. BOOK BEST FRIEND! <3
An ARC was provided from the author in exchange for an honest review
For more review and author interview, visit Jacqueline’s Reads
August 3, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
is what bwings us together today . . .
Well, actually it’s what brings Andie and Mack together today. A couple of years ago Andie attended a bachelorette party with her besties. While she was there her d-bag boyfriend dumped her via text – putting a real kink in the “life plan” she had all laid out for herself. What better way to forget about her troubles then to get completely blottoed and go in search of a possible one-night stand. I mean, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right????
Fast-forward to the present and an Andie who is even more determined to make her life plan an actuality. She’s determined, she’s successful, she’s . . . well, she’s a real ballbuster who has lost all of her friends and is days away from marrying a real d-bag. There’s only one little problem. Turns out she may have brought a souvenier home with her from that Vegas trip . . . .
Andie needs to get this problem resolved ASAP and on the downlow before her fiancé finds out. All it will take is a couple of signatures – that is, if she can fight off her attraction to the sexy cowboy . . . .
Shelby's review is the only reason I got this book. Authors, please take note that bad titles and even worse covers will not expand your reader base. Sweet Home Alabama is one of my guilty pleasures and I get sucked in to watching it every time it’s on so the .gifs used in Shelby’s review made it impossible for me to resist requesting Shine Not Burn. My apologies to all of you who were crossing your fingers for a catfight due to her steering me wrong, but there won't be one. While a 3 Star rating may look low, it’s actually really high when it comes to how I generally rate romance novels.
It seems everyone likes a ragey review. Sorry I can’t give you a full-on freakout this time, but here are some items that kept this from earning more than 3 Stars from me.
1. The length. There should be a maximum number of pages allowed for a romance novel. 360? Too long. This story could have easily been wrapped up with 50-100 fewer pages.
2. The tired trope. Not only do we have the “oh, I don’t remember what happened last night” storyline to navigate, but there has also been a lot of clumsy female MCs lately. I don’t mind the “spilled drink on the crotch of the potential love interest” meet-cute (even though it’s been done a thousand times before), but having this supposed rainmaker of an attorney be a bumbling idiot got old fast.
3. Things that make me dry-heave. Lines like this:
“I reveled in the smell of our passion on his mouth.”
Make me do things like this . . .
Also????
“My folds so heavy with passion they were blocking his entry.”
Does anyone find talk like that to be a turn-on? (Don’t answer that. I really don’t want to know.)
4. The sometimes/sometimes not use of condoms. My own personal preference is for the MCs to always practice safe sex, but I’m a 1,000 year old prude who has been married for 147 years so I get that it’s not always going to be written that way. What I don’t understand is the use of a condom, then not, then yes, then no. WTF? Either use them or don’t.
Those complaints aside, Shine Not Burn was a fluffy little way to spend my Saturday afternoon that made me feel like I should probably add some boots to my wardrobe in case Imurder my husband ever run into a desperate cowboy . . .
And finally, I’m always a sucker for a HEA . . . .
(Even when said HEA doesn’t really address the issues that will probably cause the newlyweds to get divorced in less than a year.)
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
is what bwings us together today . . .
Well, actually it’s what brings Andie and Mack together today. A couple of years ago Andie attended a bachelorette party with her besties. While she was there her d-bag boyfriend dumped her via text – putting a real kink in the “life plan” she had all laid out for herself. What better way to forget about her troubles then to get completely blottoed and go in search of a possible one-night stand. I mean, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right????
Fast-forward to the present and an Andie who is even more determined to make her life plan an actuality. She’s determined, she’s successful, she’s . . . well, she’s a real ballbuster who has lost all of her friends and is days away from marrying a real d-bag. There’s only one little problem. Turns out she may have brought a souvenier home with her from that Vegas trip . . . .
Andie needs to get this problem resolved ASAP and on the downlow before her fiancé finds out. All it will take is a couple of signatures – that is, if she can fight off her attraction to the sexy cowboy . . . .
Shelby's review is the only reason I got this book. Authors, please take note that bad titles and even worse covers will not expand your reader base. Sweet Home Alabama is one of my guilty pleasures and I get sucked in to watching it every time it’s on so the .gifs used in Shelby’s review made it impossible for me to resist requesting Shine Not Burn. My apologies to all of you who were crossing your fingers for a catfight due to her steering me wrong, but there won't be one. While a 3 Star rating may look low, it’s actually really high when it comes to how I generally rate romance novels.
It seems everyone likes a ragey review. Sorry I can’t give you a full-on freakout this time, but here are some items that kept this from earning more than 3 Stars from me.
1. The length. There should be a maximum number of pages allowed for a romance novel. 360? Too long. This story could have easily been wrapped up with 50-100 fewer pages.
2. The tired trope. Not only do we have the “oh, I don’t remember what happened last night” storyline to navigate, but there has also been a lot of clumsy female MCs lately. I don’t mind the “spilled drink on the crotch of the potential love interest” meet-cute (even though it’s been done a thousand times before), but having this supposed rainmaker of an attorney be a bumbling idiot got old fast.
3. Things that make me dry-heave. Lines like this:
“I reveled in the smell of our passion on his mouth.”
Make me do things like this . . .
Also????
“My folds so heavy with passion they were blocking his entry.”
Does anyone find talk like that to be a turn-on? (Don’t answer that. I really don’t want to know.)
4. The sometimes/sometimes not use of condoms. My own personal preference is for the MCs to always practice safe sex, but I’m a 1,000 year old prude who has been married for 147 years so I get that it’s not always going to be written that way. What I don’t understand is the use of a condom, then not, then yes, then no. WTF? Either use them or don’t.
Those complaints aside, Shine Not Burn was a fluffy little way to spend my Saturday afternoon that made me feel like I should probably add some boots to my wardrobe in case I
And finally, I’m always a sucker for a HEA . . . .
(Even when said HEA doesn’t really address the issues that will probably cause the newlyweds to get divorced in less than a year.)
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
July 5, 2013
4.5--Laugh Out Loud--Stars!!!
For me, this book was a cross between the movies What Happens in Vegas and Sweet Home Alabama.
First of all, what happens in Vegas NEVER stays in Vegas. We all know this. When you're doing a lot of this....
It's going to lead to a lot of this....
And eventually....
What do you know, you're MARRIED! To a really HOT cowboy named Mack.
Andie had a plan....a lifeplan that was written when she was 15 years old. She had goals to meet, a husband to find and babies to birth...all within a certain number of years. But a trip to Vegas changed everything for Andie.
Fast-forward two years. That night with Mack in Vegas is a long distant memory. Now Andie has another wedding on the horizon. Unfortunately, the courts frown upon you being married to more then one person at a time. Seems our Andie here has a little problem....
And so...Andie sets off for Baker City, Oregon and Gavin "Mack" MacKensie, her husband. When Andie arrives in the "country" she gets a lot more then she bargained for....an angry husband, a jealous wanna be lover, a bitter brother, a giant man-bear-pig and lots lots more!
Andie heads to Baker City in search of divorce but soon discovers what made her marry Mack in the first place....causing her to question everything about her life and her lifeplan. Frankly I wanted to tell Andie and her lifeplan to take a flying leap.
If she mentioned that damn lifeplan one more time! GGRRRR!!!
Who the hell needs a lifeplan when you could have Gavin "Mack" MacKensie?!?!!
You’re my wife,” he said, only inches away, his hot breath flickering over my lips. “You married me in Las Vegas two years ago.”
“Yes.”
“And I’m your husband.”
I nodded, tears slipping out.
He gritted his teeth and growled out, “And this is us, consummating our marriage.”
Ultimately, Andie has to decide between her lifeplan and Mack. When her "lifeplan" shows up to bring her home the fight begins. And only one man will win.
PICK MACK! PICK MACK! PICK MACK!
It was literally the very end of the book before I knew how everything was going to play out!
What more can I say...I loved everything! This book had it all....great writing, superbly funny banter, a smokin' HOT cowboy, steamy sex, some angst and drama, and great supporting characters. And it was a standalone with a HEA! Yeehaw!!!
Read this book people. You will LOVE it!
For me, this book was a cross between the movies What Happens in Vegas and Sweet Home Alabama.
First of all, what happens in Vegas NEVER stays in Vegas. We all know this. When you're doing a lot of this....
It's going to lead to a lot of this....
And eventually....
What do you know, you're MARRIED! To a really HOT cowboy named Mack.
Andie had a plan....a lifeplan that was written when she was 15 years old. She had goals to meet, a husband to find and babies to birth...all within a certain number of years. But a trip to Vegas changed everything for Andie.
Fast-forward two years. That night with Mack in Vegas is a long distant memory. Now Andie has another wedding on the horizon. Unfortunately, the courts frown upon you being married to more then one person at a time. Seems our Andie here has a little problem....
And so...Andie sets off for Baker City, Oregon and Gavin "Mack" MacKensie, her husband. When Andie arrives in the "country" she gets a lot more then she bargained for....an angry husband, a jealous wanna be lover, a bitter brother, a giant man-bear-pig and lots lots more!
Andie heads to Baker City in search of divorce but soon discovers what made her marry Mack in the first place....causing her to question everything about her life and her lifeplan. Frankly I wanted to tell Andie and her lifeplan to take a flying leap.
If she mentioned that damn lifeplan one more time! GGRRRR!!!
Who the hell needs a lifeplan when you could have Gavin "Mack" MacKensie?!?!!
You’re my wife,” he said, only inches away, his hot breath flickering over my lips. “You married me in Las Vegas two years ago.”
“Yes.”
“And I’m your husband.”
I nodded, tears slipping out.
He gritted his teeth and growled out, “And this is us, consummating our marriage.”
Ultimately, Andie has to decide between her lifeplan and Mack. When her "lifeplan" shows up to bring her home the fight begins. And only one man will win.
PICK MACK! PICK MACK! PICK MACK!
It was literally the very end of the book before I knew how everything was going to play out!
What more can I say...I loved everything! This book had it all....great writing, superbly funny banter, a smokin' HOT cowboy, steamy sex, some angst and drama, and great supporting characters. And it was a standalone with a HEA! Yeehaw!!!
Read this book people. You will LOVE it!
September 17, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Shine Not Burn was exactly what I needed! It made laugh and it made me swoon and honestly friends sometimes that is all I need.
Could I have sex with this guy? A total stranger who I know nothing about? Who I’ll never see again? Whose name I don’t even know?
“My name’s Mack, by the way. What’s yours?”
Panic mode, level eight. What is he? A mind reader. Okay, scratch the not-knowing-his-name part. The question is, could I have a one-night stand with a man named Mack who wears a cowboy hat to a casino?
When the book opens we meet Andie a hard working and very determined lawyer who is about to go away to Vegas for girlfriends bachelorette party. You soon find out that this not a trip Andie wants to take but her friends will not take no for an answer; therefore she is going.
“Oh my god. I had crazy monkey sex with a cowboy.”
What starts out as a fun night with the girls for Andie quickly turns in to H O T CRAZY MONKEY S-E-X with a cowboy named Mack. And it all started with a game of blackjack.
I’ve never read a female character who was a bigger klutz then Andie. Her embarrassing moments had me putting my head down in shame for her. In a way it helps bring her character to life even more because I could feel her embarrassment.
The way her and Mack meet… PRICELESS. She trips while walking in sky high heels and her drink lands on none other than Mack. He is literally dripping from hat to crotch.. But WAIT, that’s not the kicker..Then…then she proceeds to wipe him down.
“I think you’d better stop now.”
“What?” I was totally confused. He looked down at his crotch, still holding onto my wrist. I followed his gaze and nearly had another heart attack. There was a distinct bulge going down the leg of his pants that hadn’t been there before.
BAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I love it!
I definitely felt the sparks between Andie and Mack and the sex.. Lord have mercy the sex scenes will cause you to wiggle in your seat. Fair warning, do not read this in public.
One night in Vegas and some really really good HOT MONKEY SEX is all it takes to derail Andie’s future plans without her even knowing it.
Who is Andie?
Andrea Marks better known as Andie
Andie has a life plan with set goals that she hopes to obtain at different points in her life.
“I know what’s important. I’ve had a carefully crafted lifeplan guiding my actions since I was fifteen: go to college, go to law school, make partner, get married, have children. It’s absolutely normal and fine. All those things are important and valuable to any sane person. It makes complete sense on paper.”
Yeah, she is definitely off her rocker with this life plan crap.
Her goals consist of moving up in her firm, getting married having kids the whole shah-bang. Life on the other hand has its own plans and they DO NOT line up with Andie’s.
When she is just about to reach one of her goals by marrying Bradley, her boyfriend of two years, she hits a road block. One that has her traveling across the country to a small town in Oregon looking for a cowboy named Mack; armed with divorce papers and in need of his signature.
Who is Mack?
Gavin Mackenzie better known as Mack
Mack had me wrapped up in his lasso the second he sat down with Andie at the blackjack table. He is reserved, far from arrogant, very charming and hung like a horse (Andie’s words not mind tough I enjoy repeating it) *Grins*
He glanced at me, smiling devilishly.
“I like a little mystery to my women. I think the song lyric says it best: Lady on the street but a freak in the bed.”
Mack does not make this easy for Andie…At all.
“Come on, wife. Come take a little ride with me. Let me show you all the things you'll be missing when you go back East and leave me here with a broken heart.”
*Le sigh*
My Thoughts
If you are looking for a sexy light read, that will have you laughing out loud with its witty banter and klutzy heroine this book is for you.
This is not a deep character driven book so if that is what you want move on.
The writing style reminded me of the ones you mostly see in Harlequin romance novels. I for one enjoy a good harlequin romance so this hit my spot and satisfied my book need.
My Ratings
Characters-
Writing Style- Light, with witty banter and steamy love scenes
Plot/Storyline- Girl goes to Vegas has AMAZING SEX then marries the sexy cowboy she sexed it up with
Steam Factor- HIGH/VERY STEAMY
Overall- I enjoyed it! Check it out!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
*Copy Kindly provide by the author in exchange for an honest review*
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Shine Not Burn was exactly what I needed! It made laugh and it made me swoon and honestly friends sometimes that is all I need.
Could I have sex with this guy? A total stranger who I know nothing about? Who I’ll never see again? Whose name I don’t even know?
“My name’s Mack, by the way. What’s yours?”
Panic mode, level eight. What is he? A mind reader. Okay, scratch the not-knowing-his-name part. The question is, could I have a one-night stand with a man named Mack who wears a cowboy hat to a casino?
When the book opens we meet Andie a hard working and very determined lawyer who is about to go away to Vegas for girlfriends bachelorette party. You soon find out that this not a trip Andie wants to take but her friends will not take no for an answer; therefore she is going.
“Oh my god. I had crazy monkey sex with a cowboy.”
What starts out as a fun night with the girls for Andie quickly turns in to H O T CRAZY MONKEY S-E-X with a cowboy named Mack. And it all started with a game of blackjack.
I’ve never read a female character who was a bigger klutz then Andie. Her embarrassing moments had me putting my head down in shame for her. In a way it helps bring her character to life even more because I could feel her embarrassment.
The way her and Mack meet… PRICELESS. She trips while walking in sky high heels and her drink lands on none other than Mack. He is literally dripping from hat to crotch.. But WAIT, that’s not the kicker..Then…then she proceeds to wipe him down.
“I think you’d better stop now.”
“What?” I was totally confused. He looked down at his crotch, still holding onto my wrist. I followed his gaze and nearly had another heart attack. There was a distinct bulge going down the leg of his pants that hadn’t been there before.
BAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I love it!
I definitely felt the sparks between Andie and Mack and the sex.. Lord have mercy the sex scenes will cause you to wiggle in your seat. Fair warning, do not read this in public.
One night in Vegas and some really really good HOT MONKEY SEX is all it takes to derail Andie’s future plans without her even knowing it.
Who is Andie?
Andrea Marks better known as Andie
Andie has a life plan with set goals that she hopes to obtain at different points in her life.
“I know what’s important. I’ve had a carefully crafted lifeplan guiding my actions since I was fifteen: go to college, go to law school, make partner, get married, have children. It’s absolutely normal and fine. All those things are important and valuable to any sane person. It makes complete sense on paper.”
Yeah, she is definitely off her rocker with this life plan crap.
Her goals consist of moving up in her firm, getting married having kids the whole shah-bang. Life on the other hand has its own plans and they DO NOT line up with Andie’s.
When she is just about to reach one of her goals by marrying Bradley, her boyfriend of two years, she hits a road block. One that has her traveling across the country to a small town in Oregon looking for a cowboy named Mack; armed with divorce papers and in need of his signature.
Who is Mack?
Gavin Mackenzie better known as Mack
Mack had me wrapped up in his lasso the second he sat down with Andie at the blackjack table. He is reserved, far from arrogant, very charming and hung like a horse (Andie’s words not mind tough I enjoy repeating it) *Grins*
He glanced at me, smiling devilishly.
“I like a little mystery to my women. I think the song lyric says it best: Lady on the street but a freak in the bed.”
Mack does not make this easy for Andie…At all.
“Come on, wife. Come take a little ride with me. Let me show you all the things you'll be missing when you go back East and leave me here with a broken heart.”
*Le sigh*
My Thoughts
If you are looking for a sexy light read, that will have you laughing out loud with its witty banter and klutzy heroine this book is for you.
This is not a deep character driven book so if that is what you want move on.
The writing style reminded me of the ones you mostly see in Harlequin romance novels. I for one enjoy a good harlequin romance so this hit my spot and satisfied my book need.
My Ratings
Characters-
Writing Style- Light, with witty banter and steamy love scenes
Plot/Storyline- Girl goes to Vegas has AMAZING SEX then marries the sexy cowboy she sexed it up with
Steam Factor- HIGH/VERY STEAMY
Overall- I enjoyed it! Check it out!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
*Copy Kindly provide by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 7, 2013
What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas?
Yeah Not So Much!
Andie is 25 and had a life plan..
Work had as a lawyer, make partner at the firm, get married and have the 2.05 kids before she's 35...
Yes that's the plan...
"Sometimes when our lives are out of control, the only thing that makes us feel secure is to swing in the opposite direction. To control every last detail.”
And Andie follows it religiously!
When Andy's friend is getting married, they talk her into going with them for the bachelorette party.
Reluctantly she goes and her douche bag boyfriend breaks up with her via text!
Great! Now Andie must let loose for one night vegas style!!
After a night of partying and wayy too much alcohol Andie meets a hot cowboy called Mack from Oregon.
His Sexy hot, sweet and fun and after a night and hot sex...
"Standing in the middle of the room near the bottom of the bed, he unbuttoned his jeans, slowly and carefully revealing an almost painful-looking erection. It was like Christmas morning and my birthday all rolled into one, the way his gift was revealed to me for my pleasure only."
Andie wakes up the next morning with a killer hangover and confusion. What happened with Mack?
2 years later...
Mack is a distant memory from 'That time she was in Vegas'
Andie is supposed to be getting married in a week but there's a Glitch!
She's already married and got married in Vegas two years ago?!?!
Now Andie must go to Oregon to get divorced from Mack so she can get back to her plan...
Only to get there to remember every reason why she married Mack in the first place and she cannot live her life according to her life plan.
"So why, oh why, didn’t Vegas feel like a mistake? And why did it feel like the only smart thing I’d done in the last ten years?"
Now Andie must make some tough decisions on what she wants...
"You’re my wife.
“You married me in Las Vegas two years ago."
"Yes"
"And I’m your husband.”
"And this is us , consummating our marriage.”
I say... Screw the Plan!!!
"Just because a person is obsessed with the idea of something, it doesn’t make it right or even good for them."
"Unfortunately, obsessed people are also deaf, dumb and blind most of the time, so it rarely works to try and help them see the light"
This book is sweet and what more can we ask for if there are Sexy Cowboys???
"Luceo non uro means I shine, not burn . To me, though, it means that I have a choice. I need to balance the bad with the good, make sure to avoid the things that could burn or scar me but get close enough to the heat that I feel life and really experience it. Until I met you, I’d never really embraced that idea."
"All’s fair in love and war, and I plan on winning, no matter what.”"
December 16, 2015
EDIT: My feisty Jen (Nevada Jen) got this for me for Xmas (LAST YEAR-2014-yes I'm slow like that)!! I need to see why she loves this author so much! (We both realized our tastes have changed and that it wasn't a purchase she'd still make for me today)
Okay, so, I didn't love this. And, come on, let's give me a little credit: I may hand out a lot of 4 and 5 stars, but those books aren't ever given a 5 based solely on the boys I so fondly adore. No, they have to earn it by merit, and yes, sometimes I may bump up the rating a little because I just wanted a happy read and something made me happy-that's just how I work. But when there is something so ghastly as what bothered me in this book, then I just can't do the 'oh-my-gosh-this-was-perfect-but..' rating bump. Because, as much as it pains me to say this, there was one thing and one thing only I hated about this book, and it was enough to lower my rating by TWO WHOLE STARS:
THE MAIN CHARACTER, ANDIE.
Never in all of my life, well, maybe once or twice, have I hated a main character in such a fun-loving romantic comedy book as much as this chick. She's indecisive, wishy-washy, ignorant, and completely blind. Indecisive. Back and forth. Did I say indecisive? Pulls on heartstrings. Waitwaitwait, there's more.....SHE'S THE LITERAL DEFINITION OF A MOTHER-FUCKING DOORMAT. For real-People dissed on Tate from Ugly Love?? Andie could take lessons from Tate, she's that dumb, PS-I adored Tate in Ugly Love, she just seems to be the first person I can think of that people would know. I mean, what person cares so little about their life and their happiness...all so they can follow a GD life plan?? Wtf. How moronic. Don't hate me, Jen, please, because I have a super redeeming sentence for this review that will make you think way more of me:
Mack was the most amazing, selfless, sexy-as-sin male lead I've read about in a long time, and he is the only reason I literally cannot rate this book lower than a 3. It's impossible, sorry not sorry. I only said I can't give this five stars for a guy, I didn't say I wouldn't keep the rating respectful for him. He is just....god he was the kindest, sweetest, most butterfly-inducing man, even if I think he fell for a dumbass bimbo way too quickly in Vegas-However, I do think it was so sincere and so sweet that it didn't bother me. And, again, the only problem with any of this story was that...ARGH-Andie chick. And if I had room ANYWHERE on my BBF shelf, he'd be up in the higher rankings. I know, I know, will wonders of Chelsea never cease to exist?? lol
I can't say I don't want to keep going on and on and on about Mack....because I do. I just couldn't get enough of him. No, I didn't believe it at first, the whole in love with a dipshit thing, but as the story progressed, he broke my heart and made my stomach unbearably butterfly clogged, and he even whipped out that, dare I say it, hoarse, broken whisper voice (EEEEEPS, I KNOW! Be still my heart!!). So, he got me-he got me good. But, like I said, there was just too much that annoyed me with the MC to keep going on about and not become a broken record. So, to sum up:
MACK-5 STARS
ANDIE-0 stars (indecisive twit)
Well...there you go.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
September 7, 2016
5 Funny as Hell & sweet "Luceo non uro" stars for me...
...Luceo non uro= Shine not burn...
Oh, my Gosh!!!! I had a real good time reading this book...
It was a wonderfull, tender, sexy, light and funny story...
In some points, i was laughing so hard that it was possible to heard me many people in the next block...
Yes, in many scenes i freaked out with Addie's control issues and denial...
I just couldn't accept, how in the hell she could resist to this man...
This man could be the fantasy of every sane woman!!!
I want him, can i have him, please???? I'll give everything!!!!
Oh, Addie!!!! Addie was a control freak with a big plan which she was following with devotion.... She is smart, funny, beautiful, but she has many issues... Her plan is the only way to accomplish what she ever wanted in the life.... But one weekend in Las Vegas and a hot cowboy, make her step out of that BIG plan... But that night in Vegas liberated her and make her feel things that she couldn't believe that was possible to feel...
The next day, she woke up with headache and a memory loss... The only thing that she could remember was that man, but nothing more... so she return in her previous life and she kept goin' with the plan....
So, two years after that event she's planning her wedding with a man that feets in her plan... but she is not the same person as before... She is more cruel and cold, she had stepped away from her best friends and she is working very hard... She is one step away from her goals....
Until she finds out that two years before, she got married in a chapel to Las Vegas with that sexy stranger...
So, she's deciding to go find that man and to proceed with their divorce....
But when she's getting there, all seems different, especially when she's meeting a very angry, but sexy as hell, cowboy... Her husband...
Gavin "Mack" Mackenzie is sexy, handsome, clever, sexy, caring, tender, sexy, loyal, kind, sexy...
Yeah, i know, he is the ideal man, right????
Anyway!!! Mack was devoting in his ranch and his business, but his little brother getting married and he had to follow him in Las Vegas for his bachelor party.... But there, he meets a woman that speaks directly in his heart and he's taking a crazy decision and he's making her a craziest proposal...
But the things didn't turned out as he was expecting...
And then, after two years, when this woman appear in his doorstep, "his wife", he feels angry and he is determined to make her life a little bit difficult....
"I was mesmerized. He was branding my heart, showing me that he was going to love me whether I liked it or not and that I was his and no one else’s. I’d never had anyone insist on loving me before like this."
Well, the chemistry between those two was floating all around the air...
Apart they were great, but together they were greatest.... They were made for each other....
I really have so much good time reading their story that i couldn't put my e-reader down...
I loved them and their story...
Even though i couldn't entirely accept Addie's insistance to stuck in that plan... I was terrified in some point!!!! Every time i think about it i have shivers in my body!!!!
But i have many credits and for other people...
For everyone in the Mackenzie clan... They were unique, funny and awesome personalities....
I also like Mack's grandmother and her food!!!!
I liked so much Candice, Kelly and Ruby... They were great and loyal friends for Andie, even though she turned her back to them in some point...
I also like the ranch life and the horses and all the landscape.... It was relaxing!!!!
And I want so much to found out cranky Ian's story with Candice... I can't wait!!!
...Luceo non uro= Shine not burn...
Oh, my Gosh!!!! I had a real good time reading this book...
It was a wonderfull, tender, sexy, light and funny story...
In some points, i was laughing so hard that it was possible to heard me many people in the next block...
Yes, in many scenes i freaked out with Addie's control issues and denial...
I just couldn't accept, how in the hell she could resist to this man...
This man could be the fantasy of every sane woman!!!
I want him, can i have him, please???? I'll give everything!!!!
Oh, Addie!!!! Addie was a control freak with a big plan which she was following with devotion.... She is smart, funny, beautiful, but she has many issues... Her plan is the only way to accomplish what she ever wanted in the life.... But one weekend in Las Vegas and a hot cowboy, make her step out of that BIG plan... But that night in Vegas liberated her and make her feel things that she couldn't believe that was possible to feel...
The next day, she woke up with headache and a memory loss... The only thing that she could remember was that man, but nothing more... so she return in her previous life and she kept goin' with the plan....
So, two years after that event she's planning her wedding with a man that feets in her plan... but she is not the same person as before... She is more cruel and cold, she had stepped away from her best friends and she is working very hard... She is one step away from her goals....
Until she finds out that two years before, she got married in a chapel to Las Vegas with that sexy stranger...
So, she's deciding to go find that man and to proceed with their divorce....
But when she's getting there, all seems different, especially when she's meeting a very angry, but sexy as hell, cowboy... Her husband...
Gavin "Mack" Mackenzie is sexy, handsome, clever, sexy, caring, tender, sexy, loyal, kind, sexy...
Yeah, i know, he is the ideal man, right????
Anyway!!! Mack was devoting in his ranch and his business, but his little brother getting married and he had to follow him in Las Vegas for his bachelor party.... But there, he meets a woman that speaks directly in his heart and he's taking a crazy decision and he's making her a craziest proposal...
But the things didn't turned out as he was expecting...
And then, after two years, when this woman appear in his doorstep, "his wife", he feels angry and he is determined to make her life a little bit difficult....
"I was mesmerized. He was branding my heart, showing me that he was going to love me whether I liked it or not and that I was his and no one else’s. I’d never had anyone insist on loving me before like this."
Well, the chemistry between those two was floating all around the air...
Apart they were great, but together they were greatest.... They were made for each other....
I really have so much good time reading their story that i couldn't put my e-reader down...
I loved them and their story...
Even though i couldn't entirely accept Addie's insistance to stuck in that plan... I was terrified in some point!!!! Every time i think about it i have shivers in my body!!!!
But i have many credits and for other people...
For everyone in the Mackenzie clan... They were unique, funny and awesome personalities....
I also like Mack's grandmother and her food!!!!
I liked so much Candice, Kelly and Ruby... They were great and loyal friends for Andie, even though she turned her back to them in some point...
I also like the ranch life and the horses and all the landscape.... It was relaxing!!!!
And I want so much to found out cranky Ian's story with Candice... I can't wait!!!
June 2, 2014
”Luceo non uro.”
Andie is a career driven lawyer who gets pushed into a night in Vegas for her friend’s bachelorette party. Andie is plan oriented due to her past. She sticks to this plan and stays with crappy boyfriends just because they fit her plan. Besides her plan, she is funny and very likable.
”You fall in love with potential instead of reality. You are attracted to characteristics on paper instead of the real man underneath.”
Gavin ‘Mack’ Mackenzie is one HOT cowboy with a heart of gold.
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Mack is celebrating his brother’s upcoming nuptials in Las Vegas as well. Andie and Mack meet and they have instant chemistry and have one hot night. The direction of the rest of the story I’ll leave out so I don’t spoil anything for a reader.
Truthfully, Andie’s grip on her plan drove me crazy once I past the 80% mark. I couldn’t take hearing about her need to cling to the damn plan any longer…
Overall, this was a good read that was funny and sexy. I didn’t love the whole picnic scene or the plan clinging and I would have loved more of Mack and Andie. I still however enjoyed the story and Mack alone is worth 4 STARS!
Andie is a career driven lawyer who gets pushed into a night in Vegas for her friend’s bachelorette party. Andie is plan oriented due to her past. She sticks to this plan and stays with crappy boyfriends just because they fit her plan. Besides her plan, she is funny and very likable.
”You fall in love with potential instead of reality. You are attracted to characteristics on paper instead of the real man underneath.”
Gavin ‘Mack’ Mackenzie is one HOT cowboy with a heart of gold.
[image error]
Mack is celebrating his brother’s upcoming nuptials in Las Vegas as well. Andie and Mack meet and they have instant chemistry and have one hot night. The direction of the rest of the story I’ll leave out so I don’t spoil anything for a reader.
Truthfully, Andie’s grip on her plan drove me crazy once I past the 80% mark. I couldn’t take hearing about her need to cling to the damn plan any longer…
Overall, this was a good read that was funny and sexy. I didn’t love the whole picnic scene or the plan clinging and I would have loved more of Mack and Andie. I still however enjoyed the story and Mack alone is worth 4 STARS!
June 9, 2014
SALE $.99 ➜ http://amzn.to/1kUi5Lc
6/8/2014
************************************
A cute story that starts out with an invitation to Andie's best friend's bachelorette party.
A friendly piece of advice from the ticket guy~
Our career driven heroine learns that the ticket guys words rang true. Two years later while applying for her marriage license she finds out that her life plan may not happen. Boarding a plane to Burns, Oregon she's determined to get her life plan of marrying another lawyer and having two children back on track.
Mack is one hot cowboy who works on his family's ranch. His family's motto is Luceo non uro. Which in layman terms means Shine not burn.
Shine Not Burn is a Standalone.
6/8/2014
************************************
A cute story that starts out with an invitation to Andie's best friend's bachelorette party.
'Yo, Party Girl! We. Need. You. Be at the airport tomorrow ...Don't let us down. And remember, you have permission to have fun and forget about your bullsh*t boyfriend PUKE because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.'
A friendly piece of advice from the ticket guy~
"Just be careful. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home."
Our career driven heroine learns that the ticket guys words rang true. Two years later while applying for her marriage license she finds out that her life plan may not happen. Boarding a plane to Burns, Oregon she's determined to get her life plan of marrying another lawyer and having two children back on track.
Mack is one hot cowboy who works on his family's ranch. His family's motto is Luceo non uro. Which in layman terms means Shine not burn.
"To me, though, it means that I have a choice. I need to balance the bad with the good, make sure to avoid the things that could burn or scar me but get close enough to the heart that I feel life and really experience it."
Shine Not Burn is a Standalone.
August 4, 2015
4.5 - "King Dong." Stars!
I think you can tell from the level of 5 star reviews just how good this book is. It is my first by this author and there is absolutely no doubt that it won’t be my last.
”What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home.”
It’s not a new storyline by any means but the quality of Elle Casey’s writing, story-telling and characterization in Shine Not Burn is what makes it stand out.
The only thing that slightly tarnished the shine for this and knocked half a star off… a supposedly intelligent woman making stupid decisions, for the most part is was pretty funny, but towards the end I found Andie’s constant denial of her feelings towards Gavin a bit heartless, especially as it didn’t then stop her from sleeping with him repeatedly.
”I lost my brain an hour and three margaritas ago.”
To be honest, the niggle is me being really picky, I loved this book and the Mackenzie family as a whole, Ian Mackenzie gets his story told next in Mackenzie Fire and it is lined up and ready to go on my Kindle.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I think you can tell from the level of 5 star reviews just how good this book is. It is my first by this author and there is absolutely no doubt that it won’t be my last.
”What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home.”
It’s not a new storyline by any means but the quality of Elle Casey’s writing, story-telling and characterization in Shine Not Burn is what makes it stand out.
The only thing that slightly tarnished the shine for this and knocked half a star off… a supposedly intelligent woman making stupid decisions, for the most part is was pretty funny, but towards the end I found Andie’s constant denial of her feelings towards Gavin a bit heartless, especially as it didn’t then stop her from sleeping with him repeatedly.
”I lost my brain an hour and three margaritas ago.”
To be honest, the niggle is me being really picky, I loved this book and the Mackenzie family as a whole, Ian Mackenzie gets his story told next in Mackenzie Fire and it is lined up and ready to go on my Kindle.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
November 12, 2019
first read: August 30, 2015
first reread: December 23-31, 2016
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I DON'T THINK I HAVE EVER LAUGHED AS HARD, SO MANY TIMES IN A SINGLE BOOK.
This was a beautiful book....Oh my God was it fucking beautiful. I loved it all. ALL OF IT. I loved the storyline, and the writing, and the main characters. I loved her best friends, and I seriously loved his family so much. There were a few sad parts....but this was...just....a really good, HALLMARK MOVIE WITH AMAZING SEX book. Wow, the sex....yes please! :)
It wasn't perfect, I think there were quite a few details that were skimmed over that I would have liked to know more about, but I just loved it so much that I don't even care.
Read this book! READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
**I read this via Kindle Unlimited, and then bought it.**
first reread: December 23-31, 2016
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I DON'T THINK I HAVE EVER LAUGHED AS HARD, SO MANY TIMES IN A SINGLE BOOK.
This was a beautiful book....Oh my God was it fucking beautiful. I loved it all. ALL OF IT. I loved the storyline, and the writing, and the main characters. I loved her best friends, and I seriously loved his family so much. There were a few sad parts....but this was...just....a really good, HALLMARK MOVIE WITH AMAZING SEX book. Wow, the sex....yes please! :)
It wasn't perfect, I think there were quite a few details that were skimmed over that I would have liked to know more about, but I just loved it so much that I don't even care.
Read this book! READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
**I read this via Kindle Unlimited, and then bought it.**
November 6, 2013
4 Shining Stars!
I had a lot of laugh out loud moments when Mack and Andie first met at a blackjack table in Vegas. She trips over her impossibly high heels and spills her drink all over him. When she tries to help him get cleaned up, something rather *cough* large pops up. He excuses himself to the bathroom and he asks her to watch his spot at the table. She either has to play or he loses his spot, and she knows absolutely nothing about blackjack.
"No, I don't want you to hit me. Do you want me to hit you?"
Once Mack gets back and sees she is actually doing well, they keep playing and drinking, and the chemistry is flying between them. They had back up to her room where more sparks proceed to fly.
Two years later...
Andie is engaged to be married and has applied for a marriage license. She finds out that it can't be issued because she is already married.
She has to get this taken care of before her fiancé, Bradley, finds out. Once she gets to Oregon though, it seems Mack has other ideas about how to handle the situation. She still feels that same pull between her and Mack, but she has a "Life Plan" all mapped out and she doesn't think he fits into that.
While she is there, she meets his parents and starts learning a lot more about Mack and is more confused and unsure of her plans.
This was a fun, lighthearted read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would love to find out more about Ian, Mack's brother. Maybe there will be another book?!
I had a lot of laugh out loud moments when Mack and Andie first met at a blackjack table in Vegas. She trips over her impossibly high heels and spills her drink all over him. When she tries to help him get cleaned up, something rather *cough* large pops up. He excuses himself to the bathroom and he asks her to watch his spot at the table. She either has to play or he loses his spot, and she knows absolutely nothing about blackjack.
"No, I don't want you to hit me. Do you want me to hit you?"
Once Mack gets back and sees she is actually doing well, they keep playing and drinking, and the chemistry is flying between them. They had back up to her room where more sparks proceed to fly.
Two years later...
Andie is engaged to be married and has applied for a marriage license. She finds out that it can't be issued because she is already married.
She has to get this taken care of before her fiancé, Bradley, finds out. Once she gets to Oregon though, it seems Mack has other ideas about how to handle the situation. She still feels that same pull between her and Mack, but she has a "Life Plan" all mapped out and she doesn't think he fits into that.
While she is there, she meets his parents and starts learning a lot more about Mack and is more confused and unsure of her plans.
This was a fun, lighthearted read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would love to find out more about Ian, Mack's brother. Maybe there will be another book?!
September 1, 2016
Four Stars
**Possible Spoilers ahead**
“You’re my wife,” he said, only inches away, his hot breath flickering over my lips. “You married me in Las Vegas two years ago.”
“Yes.”
“And I’m your husband.”
I nodded, tears slipping out.
He gritted his teeth and growled out, “And this is us, consummating our marriage.”
♥ Meet Mack, my new cowboy boyfriend ♥
**Sigh** I really LOVE Gavin (Mack) MacKenzie. Finding out I was married to him would’ve been fucking awesome. Hold up. Wait. I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me back up a sec….
So I read a couple reviews prior to picking this up, seeing whether or not I really wanted to give it shot. Turns out, the cowboy Hero involved is a real sweetheart, so I couldn’t pass it up. Plus, I haven’t read one featuring a cowboy in a while, so I was intrigued and decided to give it a go. Turns out this is my second book in a row that featured a night in Vegas ending up in a surprise marriage. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining; it became a very good read.
“Just because a person is obsessed with the idea of something, it doesn’t make it right or even good for them.”
Andie has plan: Make partner, get married and have the two point five kids by the time she’s thirty-five. She is determined to see it all the way through, even though her track record with men isn’t anything to brag about, but I’ll get to that in a bit.
The only time she has ever veered slightly off the plan was when she went to Vegas for her friend’s bachelorette party and met a sexy cowboy. She was instant lust when she first laid eyes on Mack. After she accidently spilled her drink on him, the ice was broken, and they instantly hit it off.
With him, I knew I could be myself. I could be confident and sexy and in control. I could dream of a life that didn’t involve a plan that had to be followed for the next ten years. I could forget where I came from and who I’d left behind to become the woman I was now.
The men Andie’s life so far have fit certain criteria, which so far has resulted in dating a couple douches. There was something about Mack that was completely different and completely freeing. It could’ve been the alcohol, but then again it could be something else entirely. Her and Mack spent a passionate night in Vegas, ending with a hint of something big.
Luceo non uro means I shine, not burn. To me, though, it means that I have a choice. I need to balance the bad with the good, make sure to avoid the things that could burn or scar me but get close enough to the heat that I feel life and really experience it. Until I met you, I’d never really embraced that idea.
However, when Andie wakes up the next morning, she really couldn’t pinpoint what happened the night prior. What happened to her sexy cowboy? Though she wouldn’t admit it, she did feel slightly heartbroken at the thought of never seeing him again.
Fast forward two years later…
Andie is getting ready to marry the biggest douche imaginable. She’s so focused on her plan, that she can’t see what her friends around her see. She’s completely shut out everyone around her. When she applies for her marriage license, she finds out she’s married. When she finds out it happened in Vegas, she immediately starts to piece things to together: Her cowboy and her got married in Vegas. What a clusterfuck! She needed to fix things ASAP, otherwise her plans will go down in flames. Will he even remember her?
And I felt that point he was making with every thrust. He was taking possession of me, laughing in the face of whatever plan I’d made before coming here. He was calling the shots, not me. …
With every thrust, he gave me his response. “You. Are. My. Wife.” The last word came out as a growl.
Oh man, I knew the moment Mack sees her at his ranch, things were going to get ugly. He was pissed, angry, but most of all, heartbroken. He really did fall for Andie. He is determined to keep her. Their chemistry is still potent and all he needs is time to convince her to give their relationship a try.
I would’ve given this more stars, but to be quite honest, I wanted to bitch slap Andie, like multiple times. There were times where I was sporting some serious brass knuckles and then going to town on her. Seriously, she pissed me off. I wanted to yell, Get your head out of your ass and look at what you have in front of you!! Gahh! I hate stubborn ass heroines.
As for Mack…well, he’s the newest member of my ultimate book boyfriend shelf. He made the book so worth it. Plus the steam in this book could rival any erotica book. Yea, it was HOT. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
**Possible Spoilers ahead**
“You’re my wife,” he said, only inches away, his hot breath flickering over my lips. “You married me in Las Vegas two years ago.”
“Yes.”
“And I’m your husband.”
I nodded, tears slipping out.
He gritted his teeth and growled out, “And this is us, consummating our marriage.”
♥ Meet Mack, my new cowboy boyfriend ♥
**Sigh** I really LOVE Gavin (Mack) MacKenzie. Finding out I was married to him would’ve been fucking awesome. Hold up. Wait. I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me back up a sec….
So I read a couple reviews prior to picking this up, seeing whether or not I really wanted to give it shot. Turns out, the cowboy Hero involved is a real sweetheart, so I couldn’t pass it up. Plus, I haven’t read one featuring a cowboy in a while, so I was intrigued and decided to give it a go. Turns out this is my second book in a row that featured a night in Vegas ending up in a surprise marriage. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining; it became a very good read.
“Just because a person is obsessed with the idea of something, it doesn’t make it right or even good for them.”
Andie has plan: Make partner, get married and have the two point five kids by the time she’s thirty-five. She is determined to see it all the way through, even though her track record with men isn’t anything to brag about, but I’ll get to that in a bit.
The only time she has ever veered slightly off the plan was when she went to Vegas for her friend’s bachelorette party and met a sexy cowboy. She was instant lust when she first laid eyes on Mack. After she accidently spilled her drink on him, the ice was broken, and they instantly hit it off.
With him, I knew I could be myself. I could be confident and sexy and in control. I could dream of a life that didn’t involve a plan that had to be followed for the next ten years. I could forget where I came from and who I’d left behind to become the woman I was now.
The men Andie’s life so far have fit certain criteria, which so far has resulted in dating a couple douches. There was something about Mack that was completely different and completely freeing. It could’ve been the alcohol, but then again it could be something else entirely. Her and Mack spent a passionate night in Vegas, ending with a hint of something big.
Luceo non uro means I shine, not burn. To me, though, it means that I have a choice. I need to balance the bad with the good, make sure to avoid the things that could burn or scar me but get close enough to the heat that I feel life and really experience it. Until I met you, I’d never really embraced that idea.
However, when Andie wakes up the next morning, she really couldn’t pinpoint what happened the night prior. What happened to her sexy cowboy? Though she wouldn’t admit it, she did feel slightly heartbroken at the thought of never seeing him again.
Fast forward two years later…
Andie is getting ready to marry the biggest douche imaginable. She’s so focused on her plan, that she can’t see what her friends around her see. She’s completely shut out everyone around her. When she applies for her marriage license, she finds out she’s married. When she finds out it happened in Vegas, she immediately starts to piece things to together: Her cowboy and her got married in Vegas. What a clusterfuck! She needed to fix things ASAP, otherwise her plans will go down in flames. Will he even remember her?
And I felt that point he was making with every thrust. He was taking possession of me, laughing in the face of whatever plan I’d made before coming here. He was calling the shots, not me. …
With every thrust, he gave me his response. “You. Are. My. Wife.” The last word came out as a growl.
Oh man, I knew the moment Mack sees her at his ranch, things were going to get ugly. He was pissed, angry, but most of all, heartbroken. He really did fall for Andie. He is determined to keep her. Their chemistry is still potent and all he needs is time to convince her to give their relationship a try.
I would’ve given this more stars, but to be quite honest, I wanted to bitch slap Andie, like multiple times. There were times where I was sporting some serious brass knuckles and then going to town on her. Seriously, she pissed me off. I wanted to yell, Get your head out of your ass and look at what you have in front of you!! Gahh! I hate stubborn ass heroines.
As for Mack…well, he’s the newest member of my ultimate book boyfriend shelf. He made the book so worth it. Plus the steam in this book could rival any erotica book. Yea, it was HOT. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
July 7, 2013
6 amazing, hilarious, rolling around on the floor laughing my ass off stars
Thank you jacquelin for starting this book. this goes out to you
I have never laughed so much in my entire reading life then with the book. Where has Elle Casey been hiding? I want to track her down and find out how she came up with half of the witty remarks she has for Kelly, Candice and Andie.
Andie- is down right a riot. She always has a plan. She has to be in control on her future. LIFEPLAN. Thats whats going to get her to partner at he firm. Lawyer, husband, 2.5 kids by 35. Nothing will get in her way. The stuff that comes out her mouth blew me away. I have the biggest lady boner for her. She says whats on her mind and never thinks twice about it. she is refreshing and hilarious.
Mack- OMG. swoony worthy. I mean come on a cowboy with a rocken body and blue eyes that can see into your soul. SIGN ME UP!!!. He was sweet and NOT SO GENTLE. I loved him.
They meet, they drink, they play blackjack. The blackjack scene was THE shit.
They drink more, they go up to the room, they have some fun.
Then she wakes up, in bed with her friend and not with the fucking hung sex god.
Bam 2 years later. She gets this huge piece of news, thats going to mess up her lifeplan. She has to do something she is dreading.
She has to find Mack and get this all figured out before it blows up. What she didn't realize is, what if the life she had thought she wanted, wasn't the life she was meant to have.
Andie can't remember that night, (expect for the amazing monkey sex)so Mack takes her down memory lane.
A whole bunch of other stuff goes down, (bitch fight, more lies, more amazing sex, more witty and hilarious comments) and a very amazing HEA. I think the last few paragraphs are the best. I was laughing so hard it woke my husband up.
This is a must read for the summer and I recommend doing a buddy read. I the quotes are to funny not to share. I read it with my BBF.
Thank you jacquelin for starting this book. this goes out to you
"Just be careful. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home.",/b>
I have never laughed so much in my entire reading life then with the book. Where has Elle Casey been hiding? I want to track her down and find out how she came up with half of the witty remarks she has for Kelly, Candice and Andie.
"I said do you want to play craps, not I have to go take a crap.
Andie- is down right a riot. She always has a plan. She has to be in control on her future. LIFEPLAN. Thats whats going to get her to partner at he firm. Lawyer, husband, 2.5 kids by 35. Nothing will get in her way. The stuff that comes out her mouth blew me away. I have the biggest lady boner for her. She says whats on her mind and never thinks twice about it. she is refreshing and hilarious.
"Ready to grab the world by the balls and make it beg for mercy. Rawr"
Mack- OMG. swoony worthy. I mean come on a cowboy with a rocken body and blue eyes that can see into your soul. SIGN ME UP!!!. He was sweet and NOT SO GENTLE. I loved him.
They meet, they drink, they play blackjack. The blackjack scene was THE shit.
"Soft Hand"
"Thank you. I use hand cream to keep them moisturized"
"Not your hand, the card"
"You need to split"
"Okay"
"What are you doing? Take your seat."
"But you told me to take off"
"No, missy, I told you to split, not take off
"Do you want me to hit you?"
"NO, I don't want you to hit me. Do you want me to hit YOU?"
"He wants to know if you want antoher card. Thats a hit"
"Oh. Sorry about that. I apologize for threatening you. Yes please, I'd like a card for both of them."
They drink more, they go up to the room, they have some fun.
"I didn't mind being ma'amed. He could ma'am me all night if he wanted to."
"Sweet jesus, he's hung. Thats some kind of magic. The way he somehow fits that thing into those pants."
"I couldnt think of anything else to say, save My god, you have a huge cock "
Then she wakes up, in bed with her friend and not with the fucking hung sex god.
Bam 2 years later. She gets this huge piece of news, thats going to mess up her lifeplan. She has to do something she is dreading.
"What are the chances that I've stepped right off the plane into a pile of horse shit?"
She has to find Mack and get this all figured out before it blows up. What she didn't realize is, what if the life she had thought she wanted, wasn't the life she was meant to have.
"This family was like a drug I could easily get addicted to"
"I was like a dog getting distracted by a small animal runnig by. Squirrel!!!! Find ass!!!"
Andie can't remember that night, (expect for the amazing monkey sex)so Mack takes her down memory lane.
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about. It ws the best night of my life and not just because you kept calling me King Dong."
A whole bunch of other stuff goes down, (bitch fight, more lies, more amazing sex, more witty and hilarious comments) and a very amazing HEA. I think the last few paragraphs are the best. I was laughing so hard it woke my husband up.
This is a must read for the summer and I recommend doing a buddy read. I the quotes are to funny not to share. I read it with my BBF.
May 5, 2014
Hmmm, I wish I could have rated higher but this book reminds of my favourite movie, Sweet Home Alabama!
There was too many similarities.
But Cowboy Mack is one hot guy, oooo he is really sweet. Both of them are steamy together.
Overall, it was:
Happy reading
D xo
There was too many similarities.
But Cowboy Mack is one hot guy, oooo he is really sweet. Both of them are steamy together.
Overall, it was:
Happy reading
D xo
June 2, 2016
4.5 Cowboy Stars!
Such a fun and sexy read! I loved Elle Casey's Just One Night serial, so I knew I wanted to read this book. It took me a while to finally get to it, but I'm so happy I finally read it.
Andie is a successful lawyer. Everything is in order and going according to her life plan. She didn't have the best childhood growing up. As a teen she made a plan that would get her out of that environment and into one that she controlled, was independent and felt safe in.
I think we've all heard the saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Well, this sorta happens to Andie when she and her two best friends go to Vegas to celebrate Kelly's upcoming nuptials. Andie had just been broken with by her scumbag boyfriend via text. So, when she sees a sexy cowboy in the casino of her hotel she can't help but walk up to him. Well, the several drinks she had before that might have given her the liquid courage she needed.
"He could call me ma'am all night if he wanted to."
Getting a drink dumped on him was not what Mack was expecting as he sat playing cards in Vegas where he went to celebrate his brother getting married. But when he looked up and saw Andie standing there a little tipsy and mortified, he didn't mind so much. They played blackjack for a while allowing the sexual attraction between them to grow.
"I really liked this cowboy. Mack. But I didn’t know a single thing about him other than the fact he doesn’t wear underwear and he’s got a big cock-a-doodle doo that he definitely knows how to use. Yee haw."
Eventually they went back to her room where they talked and had some wild crazy amazing monkey sex. The next morning she wakes up not remembering much of what happened the night before.
Then, two years later, the things she couldn't remember suddenly make themselves known when she gets a call from the courthouse letting her know she needs to file her divorce decree before she can get a new marriage license. This puts a giant wrench into her plans and now she's going to have to go to Oregon to convince the cowboy to divorce her.
This was very pleasing to me because her fiancé, Bradley, is such a pretentious prick and his nasty attitude has began to rub off on Andie. She never really even liked him anyway, but on paper he seems to have the same goals as Andie which led her to think they are a match, so she begins dating him and eventually gets engaged. Their relationship even caused her to withdraw from her friends.
On a mission to get Mack to sign the divorce papers and return to her regular life without anyone even noticing Andie takes off. Because it's a busy time at the farm and because Mack remembered more about their night in Vegas than Andie, Mack doesn't give her much time once she arrives. Andie spends time with his family, especially his mother who is so sweet. Just talking with her has Andie rethinking things. Does she really want a divorce from Mack so that she can actually get back to her life plan or does it even matter anymore?
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook and think that Lauren Ezzo did an amazing job with the voices. There wasn't that much angst really and it was sort of predictable, but I was still swept away by the story and loved every minute of it. Sometimes you just want a sexy, feel good story and that's exactly what it was. I can't wait to read the second book and get Ian's story.
Such a fun and sexy read! I loved Elle Casey's Just One Night serial, so I knew I wanted to read this book. It took me a while to finally get to it, but I'm so happy I finally read it.
Andie is a successful lawyer. Everything is in order and going according to her life plan. She didn't have the best childhood growing up. As a teen she made a plan that would get her out of that environment and into one that she controlled, was independent and felt safe in.
I think we've all heard the saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Well, this sorta happens to Andie when she and her two best friends go to Vegas to celebrate Kelly's upcoming nuptials. Andie had just been broken with by her scumbag boyfriend via text. So, when she sees a sexy cowboy in the casino of her hotel she can't help but walk up to him. Well, the several drinks she had before that might have given her the liquid courage she needed.
"He could call me ma'am all night if he wanted to."
Getting a drink dumped on him was not what Mack was expecting as he sat playing cards in Vegas where he went to celebrate his brother getting married. But when he looked up and saw Andie standing there a little tipsy and mortified, he didn't mind so much. They played blackjack for a while allowing the sexual attraction between them to grow.
"I really liked this cowboy. Mack. But I didn’t know a single thing about him other than the fact he doesn’t wear underwear and he’s got a big cock-a-doodle doo that he definitely knows how to use. Yee haw."
Eventually they went back to her room where they talked and had some wild crazy amazing monkey sex. The next morning she wakes up not remembering much of what happened the night before.
Then, two years later, the things she couldn't remember suddenly make themselves known when she gets a call from the courthouse letting her know she needs to file her divorce decree before she can get a new marriage license. This puts a giant wrench into her plans and now she's going to have to go to Oregon to convince the cowboy to divorce her.
This was very pleasing to me because her fiancé, Bradley, is such a pretentious prick and his nasty attitude has began to rub off on Andie. She never really even liked him anyway, but on paper he seems to have the same goals as Andie which led her to think they are a match, so she begins dating him and eventually gets engaged. Their relationship even caused her to withdraw from her friends.
On a mission to get Mack to sign the divorce papers and return to her regular life without anyone even noticing Andie takes off. Because it's a busy time at the farm and because Mack remembered more about their night in Vegas than Andie, Mack doesn't give her much time once she arrives. Andie spends time with his family, especially his mother who is so sweet. Just talking with her has Andie rethinking things. Does she really want a divorce from Mack so that she can actually get back to her life plan or does it even matter anymore?
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook and think that Lauren Ezzo did an amazing job with the voices. There wasn't that much angst really and it was sort of predictable, but I was still swept away by the story and loved every minute of it. Sometimes you just want a sexy, feel good story and that's exactly what it was. I can't wait to read the second book and get Ian's story.
July 19, 2016
Clearly, my idea of humor differs from a lot of people because I didn't chuckle once while listening to this audiobook. There are many things I disliked about this book but Andi and her missing backbone tops the list. I'm sorry but this one didn't entertain me at all.
Andrea "Andi" Marks was this young ambitious attorney who had a life goal of making partner, getting married and having a couple of kids by her early 30's. She doesn't have any fun, just work, work, and more work.
When she goes to Vegas with friends for a bachelorette party, she goes buck wild on the drinks. This is where hunky cowboy Gavin MacKenzie, enters the picture.
Gavin was in Las Vegas for his brother's bachelor party when he saw Andi and they did what you do in Vegas.
2 years later when spineless Andi is getting ready to marry her rude fiancée Bradley, the county clerk refused her a marriage certificate as She is Already Married...in Vegas.
*Gasp* I mean...I am so surprised. Why, I declare! I've never read such a thing before. What a novel plot twist.
So Spineless Andi, who do you want country bumpkin Mack or ambitious yet treats you like crap fiancée Bradley? Really hard choices for you, right?
#FirstWorldProblems #MagicBox #NeededWhiskeyToGetThroughTheBook #StillDidntLaugh
September 5, 2022
4 Stars (Originally Read 12/7/2013)
3 Stars (Re-Read 9/4/2022)
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: I liked the overall premise, the side characters, and the sexy times were pretty steamy!
The Not-So-Good: The instalove. I know lot of you love that stuff! It just takes a special experience for me to tolerate it, and sadly, this didn't have that experience. I also didn’t like that we didn’t get the H’s POV except for one small section (in 3rd person). I think it would have benefited the whole story so much if we knew what he was thinking and going through.
The Bad: The ending. The last 10-15% actually. It was super rushed and felt kinda incomplete. I kept looking at the percentage read and thinking, “how’s this all going to be wrapped up?” Sadly, it was with it either being not wrapped up or it was half-assed wrapped up. I still had way too many unanswered questions and was nowhere near satisfied with that ending.
Overall: This was an enjoyable re-read. While I didn’t remember all of it, I did remember some — but not to the point of making it not enjoyable the second time. I am lowering my rating (shocking, I know), because of the things listed above. I think I was just much easier to please when I read this the first time 😅
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Andie and Mack’s story. They meet in Vegas where both of them are there for bachelor/bachelorette parties and they ditch their groups to have a hot night together. When Andie wakes up the next day and realizes he left without any info behind, she goes back home and moves on with her scheduled life plan. Only when she tries to get a marriage license to marry her fiancé ~2 years later, she realized that she actually married Mack that night. When Andie heads to Mack’s ranch to get an annulment or divorce, she quickly realizes that he is not so eager to let her go. There are some fun side characters, some sweet moments, and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told with Andie’s POV (mostly) and some parts focusing on Mack (and his brother) in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the fast-forward for the last 10-15%ish. I never skimmed.
Instalove: Yes. Major instalove!
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Mack. I liked him more than the h, but we don’t get as much of his POV and I think that made it hard to connect with him in a deeper level.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Andie. I liked her sassiness and wit, but otherwise she (and her wishy-washiness) frustrated me.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends super abruptly with what I would (reluctantly) call a HEA ending even though I needed much, much more to be happy with the closure!
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
3 Stars (Re-Read 9/4/2022)
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: I liked the overall premise, the side characters, and the sexy times were pretty steamy!
The Not-So-Good: The instalove. I know lot of you love that stuff! It just takes a special experience for me to tolerate it, and sadly, this didn't have that experience. I also didn’t like that we didn’t get the H’s POV except for one small section (in 3rd person). I think it would have benefited the whole story so much if we knew what he was thinking and going through.
The Bad: The ending. The last 10-15% actually. It was super rushed and felt kinda incomplete. I kept looking at the percentage read and thinking, “how’s this all going to be wrapped up?” Sadly, it was with it either being not wrapped up or it was half-assed wrapped up. I still had way too many unanswered questions and was nowhere near satisfied with that ending.
Overall: This was an enjoyable re-read. While I didn’t remember all of it, I did remember some — but not to the point of making it not enjoyable the second time. I am lowering my rating (shocking, I know), because of the things listed above. I think I was just much easier to please when I read this the first time 😅
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Andie and Mack’s story. They meet in Vegas where both of them are there for bachelor/bachelorette parties and they ditch their groups to have a hot night together. When Andie wakes up the next day and realizes he left without any info behind, she goes back home and moves on with her scheduled life plan. Only when she tries to get a marriage license to marry her fiancé ~2 years later, she realized that she actually married Mack that night. When Andie heads to Mack’s ranch to get an annulment or divorce, she quickly realizes that he is not so eager to let her go. There are some fun side characters, some sweet moments, and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told with Andie’s POV (mostly) and some parts focusing on Mack (and his brother) in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the fast-forward for the last 10-15%ish. I never skimmed.
Instalove: Yes. Major instalove!
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Mack. I liked him more than the h, but we don’t get as much of his POV and I think that made it hard to connect with him in a deeper level.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Andie. I liked her sassiness and wit, but otherwise she (and her wishy-washiness) frustrated me.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends super abruptly with what I would (reluctantly) call a HEA ending even though I needed much, much more to be happy with the closure!
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
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