Tag Archives: Alice Clayton

Buns (Hudson Valley #3) by Alice Clayton-a review

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BUNS (Hudson Valley #3) by Alice Clayton-a review

Buns

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 23, 2017

Clara Morgan is living the dream, if you can call rebranding hotels that are desperate for a new life and running any kind of marathon a dream. Which she does. But the career she loves and the endurance races that keep her adrenaline pumping have kept her too busy to put down any roots. Growing up in foster care, she’s never been able to establish traditions of her own, which may be why she’s fascinated by the rituals that generations-old family resorts are known for. She’s especially interested in the Bryant Mountain House, and not just for their secret recipe for the yummy, gooey, can’t-get-enough-of Hot Cross Buns….

Archie Bryant, the man with the Buns, is fifth generation and one-day-owner of the charming yet run-down Bryant Mountain House in Bailey Falls, New York. He’s determined to save his family’s legacy from the wrecking ball the old-fashioned way—by gritting his teeth and doing what needs to be done. There’s no way Archie will be influenced by the new hotel branding expert his father brought in to turn one hundred and fifty years of tradition on its head just to attract a faster, younger, slicker crowd. But when some of Clara’s ideas start bringing in new, paying customers, Archie can’t deny that she may have just given him a shot at keeping his resort open.

It’s sticky, it’s messy, it’s sweet, it’s Buns.

••••••

REVIEW: BUNS is the third installment in Alice Clayton’s contemporary, adult HUDSON VALLEY romance (rom-com) series focusing on a tight knit group of friends in Hudson Valley, New York. This is hotel rebranding specialist Clara Morgan, and hotel manager/owner Archie Bryant’s story line. BUNS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for history and fun !!

Told from first person point of view (Clara Morgan) with a final chapter from Archie’s point of view BUNS focuses on Clara’s struggle to enact changes at the dated Bryant Mountain House, Bailey Falls, New York in the Catskills Mountains. The Bryant family is struggling with bookings, and Jonathan Bryan, current owner, has called in help in the hopes of refurbishing his dying business. Enter Clara Morgan, hotel rebranding expert, and the woman with whom Archie Bryant will fall in love. What ensues is the antagonist relationship between Archie and Clara as Clara struggles to push Archie out of his comfort zone-in more ways than one.

Clara Morgan is a passionate female lead who battles the demons from her past. Unable to settle down, her work as a hotel rebranding specialist is the perfect foil for a woman afraid to commit beyond the present fearing rejection in both life and love. Archie Bryant is a man stuck in the past: refusing to move forward especially in his personal life. Meeting Clara throws all of Archie’s caution to the wind until the day Clara walks away without explanation or good bye. The $ex scenes are intimate and sensual.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including several employees at the Bryant Mountain House in Bailey Falls, as well as the return of Roxie and Leo (Nuts #1), and Natalie and Oscar (Cream of the Crop #2) .

The world building looks at the attempted revitalization of the Bryant Mountain House, Clara’s battle to convince Archie that the changes will make a positive impression, and the building romance between two people moving in different directions.

BUNS is a story with a little bit of humor, romance, conflict and fun. The back and forth banter between Archie and Clara is sexy; the banter between Clara and her besties (Roxie and Natalie) as well as Logan and Chad, is lively and entertaining. The premise is amusing and engaging; the characters are dynamic, energetic and passionate; the romance is captivating and playful. If you are wondering about the title-BUNS-this is in reference to the ‘hot cross buns’ that the Bryant Mountain House serves to their honored guests. BUNS is a delightful and charming story about two people struggling with their direction in life.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Nuts
Cream of the Crop
Buns

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cream of the Crop (Hudson Valley 2) by Alice Clayton-Review and Giveaway

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CREAM OF THE CROP (Hudson Valley #2) by Alice Clayton-Review and Giveaway

Cream of the Crop Banner

CREAM OF THE CROP
Hudson Valley #2
by Alice Clayton
Release Date: July 12, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary,romance

Cream of the Crop

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 12, 2016

Manhattan’s It Girl, Natalie Grayson, has it all: she’s a hot exec at a leading advertising firm, known industry-wide for her challenging and edgy campaigns. She’s got a large circle of friends, a family that loves her dearly, and her dance card is always full with handsome eligible bachelors. What else could a modern gal-about-town wish for? The answer, of course, is…cheese.

Natalie’s favorite part of each week is spending Saturday morning at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, where she indulges her love of all things triple cream. Her favorite booth also indulges her love of all things handsome. Oscar Mendoza, owner of the Bailey Falls Creamery and purveyor of the finest artisanal cheeses the Hudson Valley has to offer, is tall, dark, mysterious, and a bit oblivious. Or so she thinks. But that doesn’t stop Natalie from fantasizing about the size of his, ahem, milk can.

Romance is churning, passion is burning, and something incredible is rising to the top. Could it be…love?

•••••

REVIEW: CREAM OF THE CROP is the second installment in Alice Clayton’s contemporary, adult HUDSON VALLEY romance series. This is Manhattan advertising executive Natalie Grayson, and Hudson Valley dairy farmer Oscar Mendoza’s story line. CREAM OF THE CROP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. All of the characters from book one-NUTS-cross over and play secondary or supporting roles. We were first introduced to Natalie and Oscar in the previous story line where Natalie would ‘ stalk ’ Oscar at the weekend Farmer’s Market.

Told from first person point of view (Natalie) CREAM OF THE CROP follows successful advertising executive Natalie Grayson on her latest assignment-to develop a promotional video and ad campaign for the small town of Hudson Valley-where her best friend Roxie Callahan (NUTS book 1) lives, and the man who stars in all of her dreams works and resides. What ensues is a building relationship between Oscar and Natalie, and the potential for failure when the romance becomes focused on the long distance relationship and their burgeoning careers.

Natalie is a feisty, strong willed heroine with an affinity for cheese who is proud of her size eighteen curves but hasn’t always been in the past. Oscar is a quiet, reserved, somewhat oblivious man-beast with a secret past; a man happy to remain in the secluded town of Hudson Valley where his friends are few, and his solitude is met with some curious stares. As the romance heats up, Natalie must decide whether the charm of small town life is perfect for her, or perfect for the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate but I felt the ‘spark’ was missing; as though the couple were going through the motions knowing that the long distance relationship would eventually come to an end. When neither one is willing to compromise, both walk away without a second thought leaving this reader wondering if it was all worth it –in the end!

CREAM OF THE CROP is a fun read with humorous moments, and witty banter. Oscar is a man of few words, and his conversational prowess is limited throughout the story-Natalie carries a good portion of their conversations. Oscar’s ex plays a significant role in his life, and it will take a strong woman to understand their continuing relationship. The premise is entertaining and amusing; the characters are enjoyable and heartwarming; the romance is passionate.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway pink

The Reading Cafe and Alice’s publisher are offering a paper copy of CREAM OF THE CROP to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Alice Clayton on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please follow The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS.

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8 Giveaway is  open to USA only.

9 Giveaway runs from July 12-16, 2016

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Nuts (Hudson Valley #1) by Alice Clayton-a review

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NUTS (Hudson Valley #1) by Alice Clayton-a review

Nuts

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

About the book: Release Date October 20, 2015

After losing almost all of her clients in one fell swoop following an accident involving whipped cream, private chef to Hollywood’s elite Roxie Callahan gets a call from her flighty mother, saying she’s needed home in upstate New York to run the family diner. Once she’s back in the Hudson Valley, local organic farmer Leo delivers Roxie a lovely bunch of walnuts, and soon sparks—and clothing—begin to fly. Leo believes that everything worth doing is worth doing slowly…and how! But will Roxie stay upstate, or will the lure of West Coast redemption tempt her back to Tinseltown?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: NUTS is the first installment in Alice Clayton’s new, contemporary, adult HUDSON VALLEY romance series. This is billionaire farmer Leo Maxwell, and professional chef Roxie Callahan’s storyline.

Told from first person point of view (Roxie) plus an epilogue from Leo, NUTS follows Roxie on her return to her hometown of Hudson Valley when her business as private chef to the rich and famous succumbs to a disastrous smear campaign by a former client. With Roxie’s return, our heroine finds herself managing her mother’s small but busy café (as her mother heads out to participate in The Amazing Race) where the locals frequent and handsome billionaire farmer Leo Maxwell supplies the owner with fresh fruit and produce. What ensues is a building relationship between Leo and Roxie- one with an expiry date at the end of the summer. Roxie has plans to head back to Hollywood where the bright lights and warm weather call to her heart.

The relationship between Roxie and Leo begins accidentally-not once, but twice-as our couple fall into one another’s arms one disaster after another. Roxie is no stranger to $ex or men; she goes for what she wants and Leo is ripe for the picking as a summertime fling. But all does not go according to plan when Roxie begins to lose her heart to a man who hides a secret back home- a secret Roxie appears to be the only person not in on ! The $ex scenes are seductive without the use of graphic sexual or erotic imagery.

The secondary and supporting characters include many of the diner regulars, as well as Roxie’s over the top, flamboyant, hopeless romantic mother Trudy. We are also introduced to Leo’s friend and fellow farmer Oscar Bailey-a man who has caught the attention of Roxie’s best friend Natalie. Natalie has a thing for home-made cheese, and Oscar is the local dairy farmer with a cheese booth at the local market. Roxie’s high school crush Chad Bowman introduces the love of his life Logan O’Reilly-Logan and Chad become a staple at Roxie’s weekly cooking class.

Alice Clayton’s continues to write sweet, sexy, funny storylines with plenty of sexual innuendo, barely disguised foreplay, and lots of sexual chemistry; her stories are heartwarming; a delight to read with charismatic characters and happily ever afters. Alice’s comedic timing throughout the storyline is fresh and animated.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Last Call (Cocktails 4.5) by Alice Clayton-a review

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LAST CALL (Cocktail 4.5) by Alice Clayton-a review

Last Call

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 6, 2015

Simon and Caroline are back for another round of baking, banging, and big life changes. Settling in, but never settling down, Caroline has finally struck a balance between the professional and the personal. As one of the top interior designers in San Francisco, she travels all over Northern California between nook time with Simon.

Perpetual globetrotter Simon has cut his frequent flyer miles in half over the last year, preferring to balance his professional and personal life, as well.

The next step in their lives seems preordained—toasts, veils, and the aisle of rose petals. But when an accident on a photo shoot in Southeast Asia brings Caroline the most terrifying phone call she could ever imagine, she has to ask whether “till death do us part” is a more realistic prospect than faces most couples.

It’s been a grand adventure, and Caroline and Simon wouldn’t go out without the best surprise ending ever. One part sexy, one part laughter, a dash of exotic locales, and one pink nightie, mixed with passion, and you’ve got Last Call. Served with a side of Clive.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LAST CALL is the latest installment in Alice Clayton’s contemporary, adult Cocktail romance series focusing on a tight knit group of family and friends. LAST CALL is the continuing story of Caroline Reynolds and Simon Parker whom we first met in book one Wallbanger. Each storyline in the series can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty but for sheer enjoyment I would suggest reading in order.

Told from first person point of view (Caroline) the storyline focuses on a number of scenarios including an upcoming wedding, an impending birth and Simon’s latest photography assignment overseas. We welcome the return of the previous storyline couples : Vivian and Clark; Lucas and Chloe; and all of Caroline and Simon’s closest friends including Caroline’s boss Jillian and her husband Benjamin; as well as Sophie, Neil, Mimi and Ryan as they offer support and love for each couple as they face their futures together.

LAST CALL is an ensemble storyline with a mixture of humorous moments, sexiness, sarcastic innuendo and sass between friends and family that had been missing from the previous couple of stories. The funny banter and one-on-one repartee flows easily and invites the reader into the storyline as part of the fun and excitement. The relationship between friends and family is tight; the support is nurturing; and the love continues to grow with every quirky response and one liner.

If you are looking for a quick and funny storyline with moments of romance and friendship, LAST CALL is a welcome addition to Alice Clayton’s COCKTAIL series.

cocktail series

1. Wallbanger
2. Rusty Nailed
3. Screwdrivered
4. Mai Tai’d Up
4.5 Last Call (January 2015)

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Mai Tai’d Up (Cocktail #4) by Alice Clayton-a review

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MAI TAI’D UP (Cocktail #4) by Alice Clayton-a review

Mai Tai'd Up

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2, 2014

The gossip mill in the seaside community of Monterey is churning about Chloe Patterson, the newcomer who is starting a sanctuary for rescued pit bulls. It’s rumored that she’s a former beauty queen (true) who ditched her fiancé the morning of their wedding (also true). And that while she’s not looking for a new man, the good-looking local veterinarian has his eye on her. Absolutely, positively true.

When Lucas Campbell isn’t at the family veterinary clinic, he’s paddle boarding in Monterey Bay. Recently single, he’s definitely not in the market for a new relationship, but he still can’t resist taking a second, third, and fourth look at the recent arrival of Miss Golden State.

Neither Lucas nor Chloe has any interest in being tied down. Being tied up, however—now there’s a thought. But are a few Mai Tais, a moonlit night, and the music of Frank Sinatra enough to allow them both to forget their past? Let’s hope Ol’ Blue Eyes knows what he’s doing.

Mix one part tiki, one part kinky, and a splash of old black magic matchmaking, and it’s time to be . . . Mai Tai’d Up.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MAI TAI’D UP is the fourth full length installment in Alice Clayton’s contemporary, adult Wallbanger romance series. This is veterinarian Dr. Lucas Campbell and Chloe Patterson’s storyline. Chloe is Clark Barrow’s cousin whom we met in book three –Screwdrivered. Although MAI TAI’D UP is the fourth in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person point of view (Chloe) MAI TAI’D UP focuses on runaway bride Chloe Patterson. Groomed by her mother from an early age to be the perfect wife and pageant queen, Chloe is tired of her mother’s rules. A few hours before her marriage to hot shot lawyer Charles Sappington, former beauty pageant winner Chloe has second, third and fourth thoughts about marrying a man she doesn’t love. Realizing there is no love match between her and her intended, Chloe takes off for father’s family farm in Monterey Bay, where she will begin work on a pit bull rescue clinic. Enter Dr. Lucas Campbell, the man with whom she would fall in love.

Lucas Campbell is heartbroken. Left at the altar by his own runaway bride, Lucas is having a difficult time accepting all that has happened. Meeting Chloe shows Lucas the possibility of a real happily ever after but Chloe has hidden the truth about her wedding fiasco.

The relationship between Chloe and Lucas is slow to build as our couple dance around one another for much of the storyline knowing that both could be rebounding from disastrous relationships. Lucas is preparing for a three month excursion to Belize, working with Veterinarians without Borders and Chloe is busy preparing her new pit bull rescue operation. There is plenty of sexual tension throughout the storyline but Chloe’s lie of omission has Lucas second guessing everything about their relationship.

The supporting characters are colorful and well developed including Chloe’s parents, and cameos by her cousin Clark and his fiancé Vivian-Clark and Vivian characters allow for cohesion and familiarity to the Wallbanger series. Chloe’s mother is a real piece work, living vicariously through her daughter’s pageant success. We are also introduced to Lucas’s parents as well as the office receptionist who is quite the matchmaker when she puts her mind to it. Both Chloe and Lucas’s exes make a couple of appearances throughout the story.

MAI TAI’D UP has moments of laughter, heartbreak, passion and drama. The building relationship between Chloe and Lucas is almost secondary to the pit bull rescue storyline and Chloe’s dysfunctional relationship with her mother. The sex scenes are limited ( and nearing the end of the story) as the bond between Chloe and Lucas continues to build-similar in context to a chic lit storyline. But unlike the original Wallbanger storyline, the humor and sexual energy is not as prevalent and missing some of its’ oomph ! The style of writing has changed with each series installment-not a bad thing, just different.

MAI TAI’D UP is a sweet, romantic and entertaining storyline with a happily ever after.

cocktail series

1. Wallbanger
2. Rusty Nailed
2.5 Last Call (January 2015)
3. Screwdrivered
4. Mai Tai’d Up

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rusty Nailed (Cocktails #2) by Alice Clayton-a review

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

Rusty Nailed

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

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?

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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

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Wallbanger by Alice Clayton-a review

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Wallbanger by Alice Clayton-a review

WALLBANGER by Alice Clayton

WALLBANGER is the November 27, 2012 adult contemporary release from Alice Clayton. Like the name implies WALLBANGER’s focus is on the nightly entertainment heard from the other side of the wall. Caroline “Pink Nightie” Reynolds is a designer and an excellent chef who has just sublet her boss’s apartment only to discover that her new neighbor entertains several women and, their hot and heavy sex can be heard through the walls. When a pink nightie clad Caroline finally confronts a sheet wearing, gorgeous Simon “Wallbanger” Parker in the wee hours of the morning, their attraction to one another can be cut with a knife.

Wallbanger is filled with one-liners, innuendo, many, many humorous moments, the ‘hunt for the missing O’, and plenty of sexual tension, sexual chemistry and sexual frustration. Anyone remember Kim Cattrall’s character in Porkys and how she got the nickname Lassie? Well Caroline has nicknamed of few of Simon’s conquests: Spanx, Purina and Giggler. Caroline and her two BFFs meet weekly to compare notes about what is happening in their lives and when Caroline finally confesses her attraction to the Wallbanger, the trio of friends cannot hide their amusement and curiosity especially when Caroline’s description about the ‘sounds’ and ‘sights’ from Simon the Wallbanger. And the storyline progresses as Simon’s buddies are attracted to and start hooking-up with Caroline’s friends. The only complication-Caroline and Simon’s thinly disguised attraction to one another is hampered by Simon’s past. Caroline is unable to forget the nightly parade of women and the wallbanging memories of moans, giggles and ‘meows’; and Simon confesses that he doesn’t do the girlfriend or dating scene. ‘Friends with benefits’ is more his style or ‘just friends’.

Alice Clayton draws the reader into the storyline as we read the ‘text messages’ and follow the lives of Simon and Caroline as they grow closer to one another without crossing the line from friendship to lovers.

Excerpt:

Simon: “I can’t believe this is the second time we’re cleaning flour and sugar off each other. What’s wrong with us?”

Caroline: “The sugar is good for exfoliation. Not sure what good the flour is doing us, though.”

Simon: “Exfoliation?”

Caroline: “Yeah, I figure every time we sex it up out there, all that sugar helps us remove dead skin cells.”

Simon: “Really, Caroline? Dead skin cells? That’s hardly sexy.”

Caroline: “You weren’t complaining earlier”

Simon: “Well no, how could I? You promised to bake me an apple pie. Don’t forget that part.”

Caroline: “I won’t forget, but I was somewhat under duress.”

Simon: “ You were under me, not under duress, under me.”

Oh, don’t get me wrong, they will eventually become more than lovers, but there are a few heartbreaking moments when Simon’s rejection of Caroline sends her into the arms of an ex-fiance with thoughts of rekindling the past.

WALLBANGER is a wonderful, enjoyable and humorous look at the frustrations of a successful twenty-something designer as she embarks on a seductive ride to discover herself and the man with whom she has fallen in love. This is my first Alice Clayton novel and I am looking forward to many more.

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble

NOTE:  WALLBANGER was originally a piece of fan-fiction, written by Alice Clayton, using the characters from the Twilight series.  Thanks to Carmen and her adept inner ‘everything Edward/Robert’ sixth sense, we have tracked down some of the original fan-fiction and the storyline is virtually identical-only the names have been changed. The author (and bloggers) have removed most of the fan-fiction from various sites, but there are a few bits and pieces of the original floating around.

Reviewed by Sandy

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