RUSTY NAILED (Cocktail #2) by Alice Clayton-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 24, 2014

In this sequel to Wallbanger, the second book in the Cocktail series, fan favorites Caroline and Simon negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in San Francisco.

Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on her honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel on Sausalito. So with her hotshot photographer boyfriend gallivanting all over the world for his job, she and Simon are heavy-duty into “absence makes the heart grow fonder” mode. Neither has any complaints about the great reunion sex, though! Then Simon decides he’s tired of so much travelling, and he’s suddenly home more. A lot more. And wanting Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort their relationship out. Neither wants “out of sight, out of mind,” but can they create their own happy mid-ground cliché?

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REVIEW: RUSTY NAILED is the second instalment in Alice Clayton’s contemporary adult Cocktail romance series that began with Wallbanger. As far as most readers knew Wallbanger was a stand alone based a piece of the author’s fan fiction she wrote several years earlier. Wallbanger was a runaway hit and RUSTY NAILED is the continuing story of Caroline ( she of the Pink Nightie) and Simon (he of the nightly Wallbanging).

The focus of the storyline is the continuing relationship between our leading couple. From exasperated neighbors to lovers, RUSTY NAILED follows Caroline’s expanding interior design position within her best friend’s firm and Simon’s busy life as a globetrotting photographer for many well know magazines. Along the way, the reader is pulled into the upheaval of a best friend’s wedding, the dissolution of a relationship, and the beginning of a future for two people who never thought beyond that night or the next day.

RUSTY NAILED pulls together all of the previous storyline characters-friends, co-workers and Clive- who drive a good portion of the storyline. There is a stand off and misunderstanding when one couple’s relationship disaster follows the stuff of teenage angst; while another couple move forward and make Caroline an offer-she may have to refuse.

The relationship between Caroline and Simon is very sensual; very hot and yet most of the sex is implied. There is nothing sexually graphic as the author leaves much to the reader’s imagination and in this is was a refreshing read. Much of the sexual innuendo stylizing from the first storyline is absent. RUSTY NAILED is not as humorous as WALLBANGER but then again, Caroline and Simon’s lives are getting more complicated, and their friend’s lives and adventures add a degree of anxiety and stress to what is already a busy time.

Alice Clayton writes a story that is sure to please. There are no hidden or dark secrets. RUSTY NAILED, like its predecessor, is a romantic storyline where our couple must navigate the minefield that is everyday life. Problems will present themselves and our couple will learn that negotiation and conflict are all a part of being in love. Caroline’s love of baking and Simon’s love of everything she bakes is one theme that continues in this instalment.

Reading Order:

Wallbanger
Rusty Nailed (June 2014)
Screwdrivered (September 2014)
Mai Tai’d Up (December 2014)

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy