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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
sweet and super sexy
Maddox and Ashley’s story was sweet, sexy (especially that
Maddox and Ashley’s story was sweet, sexy (especially that
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Ashley recently called off her wedding and now she's a bit stunned. How could she ever have dated that guy, let alone nearly marry him? She can't believe it. Her track record with men is just not good, which is why she never entertains thoughts about her old friend Maddox Carmichael. Yes, they've been pals since first grade and he's one of her favorite people, but anything more would be a disaster, right? RIGHT?
Maddox has wondered about their relationship himself from time to time. Especially after Ashley announced her engagement, since it brought about a lot of complex feelings for him. His brothers sure think there's something going on between Mad and Ash, is he the only one who doesn't see the chemistry they have? Or is he afraid to acknowledge it?
Ashley wants more, but considering her talent for picking the worst possible men, this can't possibly be a good idea. Maddox wants more but he's a fling guy and Ash clearly wants a forever, which isn't hsi thing. Or is it? They're both torn, but her friends might help this along by putting these two in a situation where they're forced to sink or swim with the pigs. (This is not some strange figure of speech you've never heard before, just read the story, trust me.)
There's some will-they/won't-they, steamy heat and a lot of laughs in Ash and Mad's story. I loved both fo these characters and really enjoyed Ashley's friends. Of course, we get more of the Carmichael boys, especially Banks and he's irresistible. I loved everything about this book and it was so close but I have to say, Maddox and Ashley are great but they didn't unseat my favorites: Moss and Brooke are still my #1.
Merged review:
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Ashley recently called off her wedding and now she's a bit stunned. How could she ever have dated that guy, let alone nearly marry him? She can't believe it. Her track record with men is just not good, which is why she never entertains thoughts about her old friend Maddox Carmichael. Yes, they've been pals since first grade and he's one of her favorite people, but anything more would be a disaster, right? RIGHT?
Maddox has wondered about their relationship himself from time to time. Especially after Ashley announced her engagement, since it brought about a lot of complex feelings for him. His brothers sure think there's something going on between Mad and Ash, is he the only one who doesn't see the chemistry they have? Or is he afraid to acknowledge it?
Ashley wants more, but considering her talent for picking the worst possible men, this can't possibly be a good idea. Maddox wants more but he's a fling guy and Ash clearly wants a forever, which isn't hsi thing. Or is it? They're both torn, but her friends might help this along by putting these two in a situation where they're forced to sink or swim with the pigs. (This is not some strange figure of speech you've never heard before, just read the story, trust me.)
There's some will-they/won't-they, steamy heat and a lot of laughs in Ash and Mad's story. I loved both fo these characters and really enjoyed Ashley's friends. Of course, we get more of the Carmichael boys, especially Banks and he's irresistible. I loved everything about this book and it was so close but I have to say, Maddox and Ashley are great but they didn't unseat my favorites: Moss and Brooke are still my #1.
Every time Adriana Locke comes out with a new book I know it is going to be a fantastic ride. Fling did not disappoint! I loved every minute of this book. Between getting to know the characters, their banter, growth, and just falling in love with the book. I love Adriana’s writing style and feel like I’m in the book with the characters!
Fling is about Ashley and Maddox. After Ashley's engagement comes to an end her friends decide to do a contest to have someone go on her honeymoon with her. Her friend Maddox sees it and as a joke to his brothers he fills it out. Ashley and Maddox are good friends and have had feelings for each other, but Ashley is ready to settle down, and Maddox has determined to never settle down.
While they are on her honeymoon feelings start to evolve further. But what happens when the honeymoon is over and the sparks are still flying? What happens when Ashley's ex-fiancée shows back up in the picture? Can Maddox change his ways and want to settle down?
I loved this book, and can't wait to see what happens next with the next Carmichael family member!
Fling is about Ashley and Maddox. After Ashley's engagement comes to an end her friends decide to do a contest to have someone go on her honeymoon with her. Her friend Maddox sees it and as a joke to his brothers he fills it out. Ashley and Maddox are good friends and have had feelings for each other, but Ashley is ready to settle down, and Maddox has determined to never settle down.
While they are on her honeymoon feelings start to evolve further. But what happens when the honeymoon is over and the sparks are still flying? What happens when Ashley's ex-fiancée shows back up in the picture? Can Maddox change his ways and want to settle down?
I loved this book, and can't wait to see what happens next with the next Carmichael family member!
This book was so cute and fun and I blew through this in one sitting! I absolutely LOVED Maddox and Ashley and his protectiveness over her when it comes to her family. The relationship between Maddox and his brothers was hilarious with their pranks, especially anything having to do with Banks. The family dynamics with the Carmichael's was great and makes me want to move to a beach town and join their Sunday dinners!
Fling was a cute, sweet and sexy read with a little bit of angst. I enjoyed Maddox’s and Ashley’s journey of taking a chance on each other, moving from friends to lovers and from fling to forever. It was a fun read filled with a fun cast of characters whose stories I’m looking forward to reading.
Copy won in a contest hosted by author
Copy won in a contest hosted by author
This book was amazing. I truly enjoyed it. I mean lets be honest the Carmichaels make this book so funny and never a dull moment between the brothers and Paige. I loved Ashley and Maddox connection and friendship. BANKSSSSS!! Oh my lanta that boy need a woman and fast haha. He cracks me up. But back to the main attraction.... Maddox literally man had me swoon and well also fanning myself. Like hello! But seriously I can't wait for Foxx's book!
Merged review:
This book was amazing. I truly enjoyed it. I mean lets be honest the Carmichaels make this book so funny and never a dull moment between the brothers and Paige. I loved Ashley and Maddox connection and friendship. BANKSSSSS!! Oh my lanta that boy need a woman and fast haha. He cracks me up. But back to the main attraction.... Maddox literally man had me swoon and well also fanning myself. Like hello! But seriously I can't wait for Foxx's book!
Merged review:
This book was amazing. I truly enjoyed it. I mean lets be honest the Carmichaels make this book so funny and never a dull moment between the brothers and Paige. I loved Ashley and Maddox connection and friendship. BANKSSSSS!! Oh my lanta that boy need a woman and fast haha. He cracks me up. But back to the main attraction.... Maddox literally man had me swoon and well also fanning myself. Like hello! But seriously I can't wait for Foxx's book!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Determination and courage. Beauty, even where it’s not expected. Wonder. Possibility.
I adored Maddox and Ashley's story. Childhood friends who grew apart and then met up again and realised that the attraction and chemistry was there in spades, I loved seeing the bond and relationship grow between these two. As usual, Banks provides much needed comic relief, but I also loved seeing Damaris and Kixx as well. I am loving this Carmichael family.
I adored Maddox and Ashley's story. Childhood friends who grew apart and then met up again and realised that the attraction and chemistry was there in spades, I loved seeing the bond and relationship grow between these two. As usual, Banks provides much needed comic relief, but I also loved seeing Damaris and Kixx as well. I am loving this Carmichael family.
Overall Grade: 4.5 ⭐️
Tropes: friends to lovers, fake relationship, forced proximity, soulmates
So let’s get all of the good stuff out of the way when talking about Adriana Locke’s Fling:
*it has some fire, but if you’ve read Adriana Locke, you know she doesn’t smut all over her books. She doles it out and balances it well with her characters’ stories.
*I just can’t with this Carmichael clan. I mean, all of these characters feel familiar, yet different. I will not mention the youngest Carmichael because apparently he’s taken up space in other reviews. However, Locke has taken the most unlikely of wizened guides and gifted him with the wisdom to share with her MMC, Maddox. But, honestly, he isn’t everything. Instead, the Carmichaels are the foundation for every character we’ve met thus far. Each of them brings an angle to the story. I know Maddox is Locke’s fav to date. And I imagine others will choose the brother I refuse to name here as their favorite. Personally, I cannot WAIT for the reclusive Foxx’s story.
*Ashley is the every person FMC. She’s independent, compassionate, and intelligent. She’s also fun-loving and sensual. Yet, like most of us, she’s a little bent from a messy relationship with her father. As we know from the real world, daddy problems often breed relationship issues, and she has this in spades before her relationship with Maddox. What I love about Fling is she breaks this pattern with Maddox, once the two of them realize that relationships are messy even if you adore your partner. Her life has been messy, yet Ashley perseveres, thanks to two best friends and an insightful mother. This is also what I love about her characterization: the strong female bonds that heal the wounds of patriarchy.
*Ashley and Maddox are a perfect combination of fun, feral, and fabulous. Seriously. These two heat the pages of Fling. They make you laugh with their banter. They are also believable as friends becoming more. I know that isn’t a popular trope for many, but Locke writes it well. This is another shade of the trope much like we were gifted with Moss and Brooke. From the very beginning of this book, you want Ashley and Maddox to be end goals, and it never feels manufactured. It absolutely makes sense even if you know they should have figured it out sooner. But people are dumb, so this type of story works.
*Oh…and there are pigs. Ashley and Maddox swim with the pigs in the Bahamas. What’s not to love about that!
*And…who is the mystery person sending texts about penguins and flamingos? I have a suspicion but I’m impatient for the texts in Jess’s story, the next book of this series.
Now, if I have any criticism, it’s the insertion of Eton to complicate Ashley and Maddox’s journey. I would have preferred if Locke had developed his interruptions more. This is the one aspect of the story that felt manufactured to create the inciting incident to trouble their relationship. It did not feel as organic to the story as I think it could have been had Eton hounded Ashley more. It was the one miss for me in Fling.
Honestly, reading Fling feels like going home. Adriana Locke has found her magic treasure chest of stories in romancelandia, and she continually gifts pieces of gold from it with her stories. Don’t miss out on Maddox and Ashley. Fling brought a big smile to my day.
Tropes: friends to lovers, fake relationship, forced proximity, soulmates
So let’s get all of the good stuff out of the way when talking about Adriana Locke’s Fling:
*it has some fire, but if you’ve read Adriana Locke, you know she doesn’t smut all over her books. She doles it out and balances it well with her characters’ stories.
*I just can’t with this Carmichael clan. I mean, all of these characters feel familiar, yet different. I will not mention the youngest Carmichael because apparently he’s taken up space in other reviews. However, Locke has taken the most unlikely of wizened guides and gifted him with the wisdom to share with her MMC, Maddox. But, honestly, he isn’t everything. Instead, the Carmichaels are the foundation for every character we’ve met thus far. Each of them brings an angle to the story. I know Maddox is Locke’s fav to date. And I imagine others will choose the brother I refuse to name here as their favorite. Personally, I cannot WAIT for the reclusive Foxx’s story.
*Ashley is the every person FMC. She’s independent, compassionate, and intelligent. She’s also fun-loving and sensual. Yet, like most of us, she’s a little bent from a messy relationship with her father. As we know from the real world, daddy problems often breed relationship issues, and she has this in spades before her relationship with Maddox. What I love about Fling is she breaks this pattern with Maddox, once the two of them realize that relationships are messy even if you adore your partner. Her life has been messy, yet Ashley perseveres, thanks to two best friends and an insightful mother. This is also what I love about her characterization: the strong female bonds that heal the wounds of patriarchy.
*Ashley and Maddox are a perfect combination of fun, feral, and fabulous. Seriously. These two heat the pages of Fling. They make you laugh with their banter. They are also believable as friends becoming more. I know that isn’t a popular trope for many, but Locke writes it well. This is another shade of the trope much like we were gifted with Moss and Brooke. From the very beginning of this book, you want Ashley and Maddox to be end goals, and it never feels manufactured. It absolutely makes sense even if you know they should have figured it out sooner. But people are dumb, so this type of story works.
*Oh…and there are pigs. Ashley and Maddox swim with the pigs in the Bahamas. What’s not to love about that!
*And…who is the mystery person sending texts about penguins and flamingos? I have a suspicion but I’m impatient for the texts in Jess’s story, the next book of this series.
Now, if I have any criticism, it’s the insertion of Eton to complicate Ashley and Maddox’s journey. I would have preferred if Locke had developed his interruptions more. This is the one aspect of the story that felt manufactured to create the inciting incident to trouble their relationship. It did not feel as organic to the story as I think it could have been had Eton hounded Ashley more. It was the one miss for me in Fling.
Honestly, reading Fling feels like going home. Adriana Locke has found her magic treasure chest of stories in romancelandia, and she continually gifts pieces of gold from it with her stories. Don’t miss out on Maddox and Ashley. Fling brought a big smile to my day.