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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
janayawebb's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn't feel like the character development and story was all that good. Maybe I just really need to be in a certain mood to enjoy this book, but I feel like a good book will get me into the mood I should be in. I felt like the story went too long. I wish there was more about their day to day experience when she was shadowing him.
dalitza's review
4.0
A funny, sweet and sexy story laced with a witty love-hate banter and topped with a heartwarming relationship between a sharp Lois Lane type reporter and a good-doer Superman cop.
Luc Moretti is royalty of a different kind. He’s the kind of royalty that comes from being the youngest in a long line of police officers where his father is the ex-police commissioner and his three older brothers are all in law enforcement. But none have received the over-enthusiastic attention Luc’s gotten over doing what he thought should be his unsung job while getting caught on a video that went viral.
Nursing an acute case of misplaced guilt, the last thing he wants is his life on display. He wants his life to get back normal, but being forced into doing a national TV special is just the opposite. Can the two month interaction with the beautiful reporter who’s been assigned to him remain professional or will she be the one he breaks his no serious relationships rule for?
Ava Sims is an up and coming TV reporter. All she needs is a break to get her the anchorwoman spot her parents have always wanted for her. Even though she’s probably the only woman who’s met officer Moretti and hasn’t thrown herself at him, she’s still interested in him… as a story, to reveal the man behind the uniform. Will she use and betray Luc to help her further a career she’s been compelled to follow or will the time with him help her find out what she really wants to do with her life?
Picking up a Lauren Layne book has become a natural thing when it comes to contemporary romance for me. She has a talent to create relatable characters you want to know. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough with all the spark provoking banter infused with a bit of hostility between Ava and Luc. The story made me smile and laugh constantly. From the beginning I knew I would thoroughly enjoy this book.
I loved Luc and Ava’s chemistry. It was great that they had briefly met some years back while he was writing her a parking ticket, the memory of which served to stoke the fireworks between them. Their angry back and forth banter was funny, cute and sexy. The more they got a rise out of each other, the more they wanted to get under each other’s skin and deeper.
It was wonderful how they both gave each other what they needed and I’m not just talking about incredibly racy moments. I’m referring to how Luc understood and supported her and ultimately put her above himself, and conversely how Ava saw beyond the badge.
Both main characters were equally endearing. Ava with all her sass, self-assured ambition, determination and smarts was charmingly flawed because she was also a bit lost, a lot unloved, vulnerable, but still funny and sweet underneath.
All the grumpiness in the world couldn’t completely cover up the gooeyness within Luc. Who wouldn’t appreciate a truly good man that dedicates himself to protect and proudly wears his uniform? But it’s a job that required him to face death and sometimes even make life or death decisions. One of which still haunted him and tugged my heart.
I can’t not mention Luc’s overbearing, in your face, incredibly loveable Italian family, especially his quirky and mouthy grandma, Honky Tonky, Ava’s aloof cat and her bridezilla best friend Beth which rounded out this wonderfully entertaining story, with the right mix between slow burn sexiness, comedy, angst, and heartfelt, tear jerking moments.
Frisk Me is the first book in the New York's Finest series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone, full-length, contemporary romance full of fun, sexy bits and swoon worthy moments. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
4.5 super cop stars.
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/1IX9NhY
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Luc Moretti is royalty of a different kind. He’s the kind of royalty that comes from being the youngest in a long line of police officers where his father is the ex-police commissioner and his three older brothers are all in law enforcement. But none have received the over-enthusiastic attention Luc’s gotten over doing what he thought should be his unsung job while getting caught on a video that went viral.
“You’re America’s Hero not because of your acts, but because of your heart.”
Nursing an acute case of misplaced guilt, the last thing he wants is his life on display. He wants his life to get back normal, but being forced into doing a national TV special is just the opposite. Can the two month interaction with the beautiful reporter who’s been assigned to him remain professional or will she be the one he breaks his no serious relationships rule for?
“I think the woman behind the reporter is pulled to me. Just like the man behind the cop is drawn to you.”
Ava Sims is an up and coming TV reporter. All she needs is a break to get her the anchorwoman spot her parents have always wanted for her. Even though she’s probably the only woman who’s met officer Moretti and hasn’t thrown herself at him, she’s still interested in him… as a story, to reveal the man behind the uniform. Will she use and betray Luc to help her further a career she’s been compelled to follow or will the time with him help her find out what she really wants to do with her life?
“Luc Moretti the officer was the cover of the story, but Luc Moretti the man was the heart of it.”
Picking up a Lauren Layne book has become a natural thing when it comes to contemporary romance for me. She has a talent to create relatable characters you want to know. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough with all the spark provoking banter infused with a bit of hostility between Ava and Luc. The story made me smile and laugh constantly. From the beginning I knew I would thoroughly enjoy this book.
“I don’t know quite whether to kiss you or strangle you.”
I loved Luc and Ava’s chemistry. It was great that they had briefly met some years back while he was writing her a parking ticket, the memory of which served to stoke the fireworks between them. Their angry back and forth banter was funny, cute and sexy. The more they got a rise out of each other, the more they wanted to get under each other’s skin and deeper.
“Guess you shouldn’t have flirted with a cop then, lady. No such thing as an interview in my line of work…” He moved in closer, shifting so that his upper body leaned into hers. “We start with interrogations.”
It was wonderful how they both gave each other what they needed and I’m not just talking about incredibly racy moments. I’m referring to how Luc understood and supported her and ultimately put her above himself, and conversely how Ava saw beyond the badge.
“I’d give up being everybody else’s hero, if you’ll just let me be yours.”
Both main characters were equally endearing. Ava with all her sass, self-assured ambition, determination and smarts was charmingly flawed because she was also a bit lost, a lot unloved, vulnerable, but still funny and sweet underneath.
All the grumpiness in the world couldn’t completely cover up the gooeyness within Luc. Who wouldn’t appreciate a truly good man that dedicates himself to protect and proudly wears his uniform? But it’s a job that required him to face death and sometimes even make life or death decisions. One of which still haunted him and tugged my heart.
“A hero cop who was long on charm, short on pretense, with a hidden sweet side.”
I can’t not mention Luc’s overbearing, in your face, incredibly loveable Italian family, especially his quirky and mouthy grandma, Honky Tonky, Ava’s aloof cat and her bridezilla best friend Beth which rounded out this wonderfully entertaining story, with the right mix between slow burn sexiness, comedy, angst, and heartfelt, tear jerking moments.
Frisk Me is the first book in the New York's Finest series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone, full-length, contemporary romance full of fun, sexy bits and swoon worthy moments. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
4.5 super cop stars.
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/1IX9NhY
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
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booksandbonbons's review
4.0
This is another solid read from Lauren Layne. I’m quickly turning into a bit of a fan girl for her titles. This new series, New York’s Finest, follows an Italian family of mostly cops and one defense attorney. They’re a tight knit group with some of the stereotypes we can all love and identify. There’s a fabulous kooky grandma, loving but stern parents with high expectations, 5 siblings, and lots of pasta.
The first installment is centered on Luca Moretti, the bambino of the family. He’s a patrol office who’s been thrust into the spotlight after a couple of his good deeds have gone viral on social media. Because of a less than desirable smear on the NYPD’s reputation, the higher ups plan to use their golden boy and the media circus to try to repair the department’s public standing.
Obsessed with getting a promotion to anchorwoman on a national news network, Ava will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Journalism is all she’s ever known. It’s in her family’s blood much as the law is in the Moretti clan’s. With her two younger siblings having already found professional success, it’s her turn to surpass them.
I love the delicate balance of the love/hate relationship between the two main characters. They are both strong willed and stubborn putting their own wants before the others…that is until things begin to change between the two. Ava comes from family pressure but without affection, whereas, Luc has a similar burden but with unconditional love. While there is an instant sexual attraction, it’s truly a slow burn that must build between the two before any move is made to satiate their need. It’s interesting to watch the two different approaches to life from their distinctive perspectives.
This is an endearing Blue Bloods type family who will undoubtedly come through with wit, sarcasm, and romance.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
To see more reviews like this, go to Smut and Bonbons.
~Complimentary copy received in exchange for honest review.~
The first installment is centered on Luca Moretti, the bambino of the family. He’s a patrol office who’s been thrust into the spotlight after a couple of his good deeds have gone viral on social media. Because of a less than desirable smear on the NYPD’s reputation, the higher ups plan to use their golden boy and the media circus to try to repair the department’s public standing.
Obsessed with getting a promotion to anchorwoman on a national news network, Ava will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Journalism is all she’s ever known. It’s in her family’s blood much as the law is in the Moretti clan’s. With her two younger siblings having already found professional success, it’s her turn to surpass them.
I love the delicate balance of the love/hate relationship between the two main characters. They are both strong willed and stubborn putting their own wants before the others…that is until things begin to change between the two. Ava comes from family pressure but without affection, whereas, Luc has a similar burden but with unconditional love. While there is an instant sexual attraction, it’s truly a slow burn that must build between the two before any move is made to satiate their need. It’s interesting to watch the two different approaches to life from their distinctive perspectives.
This is an endearing Blue Bloods type family who will undoubtedly come through with wit, sarcasm, and romance.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
To see more reviews like this, go to Smut and Bonbons.
~Complimentary copy received in exchange for honest review.~
ohthatmomglow's review
2.0
I keep wanting to use the word "contrived" for this novel, but that feels like a douchy word to use when my last novel obsession was about men who have wings.... However, this book just didn't do it for me. I didn't connect and I didn't fall in love with them.
readfrenzy's review
3.0
Lauren Layne has become an author that I can count on to deliver an enjoyable light contemporary romance. Factor in a story about a humble man in uniform and I was sure I would fall in love with this book. Well, that is, once I got over my disdain for the cover. I’m a terrible cover snob. But seriously, NYPD Officer Luc Moretti is dark-haired, stubborn, and second generation Italian so naturally he looks like Owen Wilson posing on the cover?
Luc is the youngest of five in a family devoted to law enforcement. His father is the retired police commissioner of NYC, his three brothers are fellow officers of the law, and his sister is a defense attorney. His life revolves around two things: family and his job. When his rescue of a drowning girl unknowingly gets captured on video by an onlooker, the video goes viral. He’s quickly hailed “America’s Hero” by the press but he is uncomfortable in the spotlight. Luc knows he was just doing his job and he is nobody’s hero. He has been plagued by memories of a job gone wrong and his resulting sense of guilt. All he wants now is for his life to go back to normal. However, with public opinion of the NYPD at an all-time low, the department decides to cash in on some positive publicity.
Ava Sims is an ambitious TV reporter assigned to do a three-hour national TV special on Luc’s life. The pair instantly bump heads but there’s no denying the mutual attraction. Ava will be shadowing Luc for two months to learn more about the man behind the badge. He’s unhappy about having his privacy invaded and mortified that a simple act in the line of duty will become overblown on a national platform. Ava senses there’s more to Luc’s story and if she can uncover the secrets he’s hiding it may be the key to getting the anchorwoman position she’s been after.
I usually appreciate a slow-burn romance, particularly when used in an enemies-to-lovers trope. In this instance, however, the fire almost burned out by the time Ava and Luc finally got together. Their chemistry is wonderful though and the bedroom scenes hit the perfect balance between tender and sexy.
It’s the characters more than the storyline that are the saving grace of this book. Ms. Layne has created a wonderful cast of characters within Luc’s tight-knit Italian family. I loved each of them but especially Luc’s eccentric, meddling Nonna. While I never quite warmed to Ava, Luc makes a very appealing hero.
The premise of this novel is good; however, the plot is rather predictable and was insufficient to keep me interested throughout. Overall, the book isn’t terrible. It’s just not up to the level of excellence I’ve come to expect from Lauren Layne.
** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. **
Luc is the youngest of five in a family devoted to law enforcement. His father is the retired police commissioner of NYC, his three brothers are fellow officers of the law, and his sister is a defense attorney. His life revolves around two things: family and his job. When his rescue of a drowning girl unknowingly gets captured on video by an onlooker, the video goes viral. He’s quickly hailed “America’s Hero” by the press but he is uncomfortable in the spotlight. Luc knows he was just doing his job and he is nobody’s hero. He has been plagued by memories of a job gone wrong and his resulting sense of guilt. All he wants now is for his life to go back to normal. However, with public opinion of the NYPD at an all-time low, the department decides to cash in on some positive publicity.
Ava Sims is an ambitious TV reporter assigned to do a three-hour national TV special on Luc’s life. The pair instantly bump heads but there’s no denying the mutual attraction. Ava will be shadowing Luc for two months to learn more about the man behind the badge. He’s unhappy about having his privacy invaded and mortified that a simple act in the line of duty will become overblown on a national platform. Ava senses there’s more to Luc’s story and if she can uncover the secrets he’s hiding it may be the key to getting the anchorwoman position she’s been after.
I usually appreciate a slow-burn romance, particularly when used in an enemies-to-lovers trope. In this instance, however, the fire almost burned out by the time Ava and Luc finally got together. Their chemistry is wonderful though and the bedroom scenes hit the perfect balance between tender and sexy.
It’s the characters more than the storyline that are the saving grace of this book. Ms. Layne has created a wonderful cast of characters within Luc’s tight-knit Italian family. I loved each of them but especially Luc’s eccentric, meddling Nonna. While I never quite warmed to Ava, Luc makes a very appealing hero.
The premise of this novel is good; however, the plot is rather predictable and was insufficient to keep me interested throughout. Overall, the book isn’t terrible. It’s just not up to the level of excellence I’ve come to expect from Lauren Layne.
** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. **
nellesnightstand's review
3.0
What a great start to a series! A reporter and a cop. The romance was fraught with tension and chemistry inspite of the fact that he was her story. This was a new to me author who I greatly enjoyed!
caitlinobauer's review
4.0
Received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sorry it took me so long to get around to reading this. Recently moved & started a new job--finally found some free time to catch up on my reading list...
What can I say...? I am a huge fan of Lauren Layne. Haven't met a book she's written that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. She's my go-to romance author.
Frisk Me is fun, fast-paced, and super sexy. Layne definitely turned up the heat for this new series. The chemistry between Luc & Ava is off the charts. I also love ho she continues to write strong, independent women who are capable of finding success in both their professional and personal lives. Cannot recommend it enough. Looking forward to the next in the series!
Sorry it took me so long to get around to reading this. Recently moved & started a new job--finally found some free time to catch up on my reading list...
What can I say...? I am a huge fan of Lauren Layne. Haven't met a book she's written that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. She's my go-to romance author.
Frisk Me is fun, fast-paced, and super sexy. Layne definitely turned up the heat for this new series. The chemistry between Luc & Ava is off the charts. I also love ho she continues to write strong, independent women who are capable of finding success in both their professional and personal lives. Cannot recommend it enough. Looking forward to the next in the series!
crystal1010's review
5.0
A great book! I can't wait to read about the other Moretti brothers (and sister)!